GC Agar when used with blood and other enrichment is for the isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae but is also capable of supporting the growth of most fastidious micro-organisms. This medium is based on the modified formulation described by Thayer and Martin that was based on the original formulation stated by Johnson.
Enrichment is usually attained using lysed blood but haemoglobin powder or chocolated blood are suitable alternatives. Additional enrichment can be provided by the addition of Suplex supplement (BM0478) which consists of yeast extract and glucose.
Selective variants of GC Agar can be prepared through the addition of various selective supplements such as VCAT (LS0002) or LCAT (LS0001). These supplements will suppress most of the background flora likely to be present in specimen and will restrict the swarming of Proteus spp.
The peptone is the source of the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance in the medium. Starch is present to absorb toxic metabolites and phosphate buffers prevent pH changes during incubation.
Related Supplements :
BM0478 Suplex, LS0001 GC LCAT Selective Supplement, LS0002 GC VCAT Selective Supplement