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Based on Nutrient Broth with an additional 2.5% Sodium Chloride this medium is suitable for use in the investigation of outbreaks involving Staphylococcus aureus especially MRSA. The additional Sodium Chloride inhibits most other organisms allowing the staphylococci to multiply freely even if present in small numbers. The medium is generally used as an enrichment medium in conjunction with subculture onto selective solid media as described in PHE SMI B29 issue No.6. -
Based on Nutrient Broth with an additional 6.0% Sodium Chloride (Total Sodium Chloride content = 6.5%) this medium is suitable for use in the investigation of outbreaks involving Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA. The additional Sodium Chloride inhibits most other organisms allowing the staphylococci to multiply freely even if present in small numbers. The medium is generally used as an enrichment medium in conjunction with subculture onto selective solid media. -
Based on Nutrient Broth with an additional 6.5% Sodium Chloride (Total Sodium Chloride content = 7%) this medium is suitable for use in the investigation of outbreaks involving Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA. The additional Sodium Chloride inhibits most other organisms allowing the staphylococci to multiply freely even if present in small numbers. The medium is generally used as an enrichment medium in conjunction with subculture onto selective solid media. -
This is an aqueous solution of Oxalic acid (3%) suitable for use in the digestion and neutralisation of Sputum that may be contaminated with Pseudomonas like organisms prior to culture. -
This is an aqueous solution of Oxalic acid (5%) suitable for use in the digestion and neutralisation of Sputum that may be contaminated with Pseudomonas like organisms prior to culture. -
A general-purpose diluent for the preparation of test samples according to ISO/DIS 6887-5. -
BM1359 Phosphate Buffer (0.067M) is a standard biochemical reagent suitable for a variety of uses, primarily the neutralisation of sterilised sputum samples, and is recommended by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations for the investigation of specimens for Mycobacterium species. -
Based on the formulation of Dulbecco Solution ‘A’ this balanced salt solution is intended for use primarily in Tissue Culture techniques. It can be used either on its own or with the addition of Calcium and Magnesium salts (Dulbecco Solution B). -
Based on the formulation of Dulbecco Solution ‘A’ this balanced salt solution with added Tween is intended for use primarily in Tissue Culture techniques. It can be used either on its own or with the addition of Calcium and Magnesium salts (Dulbecco Solution B). -
This buffer is intended primarily for use as a neutralising agent following treatment with alkaline compounds during the decontamination and homogenisation process of Sputum specimens prior to inoculation onto appropriate culture media for the isolation of Mycobacterium spp. -
An osmotically controlled solution for the preparation of suspensions of food samples and for use as a diluent in dilution techniques for bacterial enumeration. The solution may also be used in the sampling of food production apparatus by the rinse and swab method. -
An osmotically controlled solution for the preparation of suspensions of food samples and for use as a diluent in dilution techniques for bacterial enumeration. The solution may also be used in the sampling of food production apparatus by the rinse and swab method. -
This is a variation on the common osmotically controlled Ringers solution, where glass beads have been added to enhance macerations in the preparation of suspensions of samples and for use as a diluent in dilution techniques for bacterial enumeration. The solution may also be used in the sampling of food production apparatus by the rinse and swab method. -
A long established selective medium for the isolation of yeasts and fungi suitable for use in all areas of Mycology. The low pH (5.6) of the medium inhibits most bacteria and spore structures and pigmentation of fungi are generally well developed on this medium. -
Saline (0.45%) is suitable for use in preparation of food samples and/or as a rinse fluid during examination of equipment etc. prior to culture. It can also be used as a general purpose diluent in many areas of the laboratory.
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Saline (0.85%) is suitable for use in preparation of food samples and/or as a rinse fluid during examination of equipment etc. prior to culture. It can also be used as a general purpose diluent in many areas of the laboratory. -
BM0385 Saline (0.85%) with Beads is used in preparation of tissue specimens for microbiological examination prior to culture. It may also be used as a general-purpose diluent in many areas of the laboratory. Saline (0.85%) is recommended for processing clinical specimens for microbiological examination. The addition of glass beads will allow the specimen to be broken down and, therefore, aiding with the release of microorganisms into the saline for further testing. BM0385 Saline (0.85%) with Beads maintains the osmotic balance of the medium thereby maintaining cell morphology and integrity of bacteria. Glass beads assist with homogenisation of specimens prior to subculturing to primary isolation agar plates and/or enrichment broths. The solution does not interfere with any biochemical reaction and/or antibiotic susceptibility test.
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For in vitro diagnostic use. BM0379 Saline (0.85%) with Beads (Clean Area Pack) is a variation on isotonic saline which is suitable for use as a general-purpose diluent in many areas of the laboratory. The addition of glass beads will allow dense material to be broken down and aid the isolation of any bacteria that may be present in “clumps”. BM0379 Saline (0.85%) with Beads (Clean Area Pack) is tested as a diluent in accordance with the principals of ISO 11133:2014 (1) and can also be used to isolate for identification tests or processing clinical specimens for microbiological examination (2 3). Saline (0.85%) with Beads (Clean Area Pack) maintains the osmotic balance of the medium thereby maintaining cell morphology and integrity of bacteria. The solution does not interfere with any biochemical reactions. This product is aseptically dispensed before being double wrapped and treated with Ethylene Oxide (EO) for use in clean areas.- International Organization for Standardization (2014) 11133:2014 Microbiology of food, animal feed and water – Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media. Geneva, ISO.
- Public Health England. (2015). Investigation of bone and soft tissue associated with osteomyelitis. UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations. B 42 Issue 2.
- Public Health England. (2021). Investigation of orthopaedic implant associated infections. UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations. B 44 Issue 2.1.
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Saline (0.9%) is suitable for use in preparation of food samples and/or as a rinse fluid during examination of equipment etc. prior to culture. It can also be used as a general purpose diluent in many areas of the laboratory. -
BM0397 Saline Tryptone Water (pH 7.0) is isotonic saline containing 0.1% tryptone that may be used as a general-purpose diluent in many areas of the laboratory. It is recommended by The British Standards Institute (1) and is tested according to the principles of ISO 11133:2014 (2). The product does not interfere with biochemical reactions used to identify organisms, such as indole production.
References
- The British Standards Institution (2015) BS EN 16615:2015 Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. Quantitative test method for the evaluation of bactericidal and yeasticidal activity on non-porous surfaces with mechanical action employing wipes in the medical area (4- field test). Test method and requirements (phase 2, step 2). Published by BSI Standards Limited.
- International Organization for Standardization (2014) 11133:2014 Microbiology of food, animal feed and water - Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media. Geneva, ISO.
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BM0360 Selenite F Broth is a medium for the selective enrichment of Salmonella spp. from both clinical and food samples. Following overnight incubation subculture(s) are usually made on to one or more of the many selective enteric solid media. Selenite F Broth is also recommended by the American Public Health Association (APHA) for the examination of food. Subcultures should be made from the top 1/3 of the broth after not more than 24 hours incubation as after this time there is a loss of selectivity. -
This medium can be used as a screening method for the differentiation of Enterobacteriaceae based on the ability of some species to utilise citrate as a sole source of carbon. It is often used as a screening test for Klebsiella pneumoniae (Positive reaction) while Escherichia coli is negative. Other uses included distinguishing between species of citrate positive Salmonellae (e.g. Salmonella enteritidis) and those that are negative (e.g. Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A). The medium is inoculated by stabbing the organism (in pure culture) into the medium. A positive result produces a change of colour from green to bright blue and a negative reaction leaves the colour unchanged. -
This is an aqueous solution of Sodium Hydroxide (2%) with Phenol Red Indicator suitable for use in the digestion of Sputum samples prior to culture of the samples for Mycobacterium spp. It is generally used in conjunction with Sputum Neutralising Buffer (BM1324). -
BM1322 Sodium Hydroxide (4%) is a reagent used in the digestion and decontamination of sputum samples prior to culture for mycobacteria. Most clinical specimens submitted for acid-fast bacilli isolation are contaminated with more quickly developing commensal microbial flora. Additionally, acid-fast bacilli may be retained in respiratory secretions and not released for culture until the material is liquefied. Respiratory specimens, such as sputum, contain mucin which may trap microorganisms. Decontamination and digestion of the mucous components kills contaminating normal flora and allows slower growing mycobacteria to grow. Timely neutralization prevents potential loss of mycobacteria caused by high pH levels of decontaminants, resulting in the preservation of more viable organisms. BM1322 is recommended by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations as part of their decontamination/digestion protocol; it is generally used in conjunction with Sputum Neutralising Buffer (BM1325). -
Sodium Hydroxide (4%) with Phenol Red is a reagent used in the digestion and decontamination of sputum samples prior to culture for mycobacteria. Most clinical specimens submitted for acid-fast bacilli isolation are contaminated with more quickly developing commensal microbial flora. Additionally, acid-fast bacilli may be retained in respiratory secretions and not released for culture until the material is liquefied. Respiratory specimens, such as sputum, contain mucin which may trap microorganisms. Decontamination and digestion of the mucous components kills contaminating normal flora and allows slower growing mycobacteria to grow. Timely neutralization prevents potential loss of mycobacteria caused by high pH levels of decontaminants, resulting in the preservation of more viable organisms. Phenol red is used to indicate changes in pH. BM1320 is recommended by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations as part of their decontamination/digestion protocol; it is generally used in conjunction with Sputum Neutralising Buffer without Phenol Red (BM1324). -
This is a sterile aqueous solution of Potassium di-hydrogen phosphate (16.0 % w/v) with Phenol Red Indicator suitable for use in the neutralisation following the digestion of sputum with Sodium hydroxide prior to culture. It is generally used in conjunction with BM1322 Sodium hydroxide 4%. -
This is a sterile aqueous solution of Potassium Di-Hydrogen Ortho-phosphate (16.0 % w/v) suitable for use in the neutralisation following the digestion of Sputum with Sodium Hydroxide prior to culture. It is generally used in conjunction with Sodium Hydroxide 4% with Phenol Red Indicator 0.2%. -
This medium is utilised for the transportation and cryopreservation of Streptococcus pneumoniae & Neisseria meningitidis isolates.
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This is an egg-based medium for the isolation and presumptive identification of Mycobacterium spp particularly Mycobacterium bovis. This medium is used primarily in the veterinarian sector. The medium is based on the original formulation of Lowenstein that was subsequently modified by Jensen, the medium contains pyruvate and egg which provide the required protein and fatty acids. It differs from Lowenstein-Jensen Medium in that Sodium Pyruvate has replaced the Glycerol, which has been demonstrated to be inhibitory to some species, particularly M.bovis. The coagulation of the egg albumin during preparation also provides a solid surface for inoculation purposes. Malachite green is incorporated into the medium to inhibit contaminating organisms other than the mycobacteria that may still be present in the specimen after decontamination. Lowenstein-Jensen slopes should be inoculated with pre-treated specimens and incubated at 35-37°C for 8 weeks in 5-10% CO2. Container caps should be left loose for the first week of incubation to allow for circulation of the carbon dioxide as this will help to stimulate growth. Caps should then be tightened to prevent any dehydration of the medium. -
This product may be used as an alternative pre-treatment solution to lessen the background flora of samples before the testing for Mycobacteria species. This reagent should only be used for samples that routinely produce contaminated cultures after processing with an alkaline digestant. -
This product may be used as a pre treatment solution to lessen the background commensal flora of samples before the testing for Mycobacteria species. -
This buffer is intended primarily for use as a neutralising agent following treatment with alkaline compounds during the decontamination and homogenisation process of Sputum specimens prior to inoculation onto appropriate culture media for the isolation of Mycobacterium spp. -
A nutritious broth medium formulated by Todd and Hewitt for the production of antigenic streptococcal haemolysin. The broth is also used to cultivate streptococci prior to serological grouping. Normally the use of fermentable sugars in the broth would inactivate the haemolysin due to acid production. This is prevented by the use of buffers to maintain the pH in this broth. -
This medium is based on the formula described by Kupferburg, Johnson and Sprince for the selective isolation of Trichomonas spp. The medium is selective due to the inclusion of the broad spectrum antibiotic, chloramphenicol, to inhibit a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species. This medium does not contain an antifungal agent and Candida spp. will not be suppressed. However, the growth of Candida spp. does not interfere with that of Trichomonas spp. The inclusion of methylene blue as a redox indicator allows for the visualisation of any significant oxygen diffusion in the medium. Cultures may be examined microscopically after 48 hours incubation at 37°C for the presence of flagellate protozoans. If a negative result is obtained then the culture may be re-incubated for a further 72 hours. -
Trichomonas Broth (CPLM) with Nystatin is for the selective isolation of Trichomonas spp. This medium is based on the formula described by Kupferburg et al.. The superiority of the culture procedure over the wet mount procedure for detecting the presence of trichomonads in clinical specimens was demonstrated by Williams, and Kean and Day. Feinberg and Whittington demonstrated the greater accuracy of the culture procedure for detecting trichomonads in clinical material. The tryptone and liver extract act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources in this medium. Maltose is a fermentable carbohydrate. The agar and cysteine HCl reduce the oxygen tension in the medium which aids the growth of Trichomonas spp.. Methylene blue is a redox indictor and allows for the visualisation of any significant oxygen diffusion in the medium. The medium is selective due to the inclusion of chloramphenicol and nystatin to inhibit a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species as well as yeasts and fungi. Cultures may be examined microscopically after 48 hours incubation at 37 ± 1°C for the presence of flagellate protozoans. If a negative result is obtained, then the culture may be re-incubated for a further 72 hours.
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This is a medium that can be used to differentiate between some of the Enterobacteriacae on the basis of four reactions, fermentation of Lactose, Glucose and Sucrose and the production of H2S. For use the medium is inoculated using a pure culture of the test organism which should be smeared onto the surface of the slope and stabbed into the butt of the medium. For details of the many reactions that may arise during the use of this medium reference should be made to one of the many standard textbooks.
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This is a plate count agar originally suggested by the American Public Health Association for the estimation of total viable counts in food and dairy products.
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Tryptone Soya Broth (Modified) with Novobiocin (20mg/L) This is a selective enrichment broth for the isolation of Escherichia coli 0157, primarily from food and food products, and is capable of detecting the organisms even when they are present in small numbers. It is also increasingly being used in clinical laboratories when screening faecal samples. Based on Tryptone Soya Broth it is made selective for Escherichia coli 0157 by the addition of bile salts and Novobiocin and is also buffered to maintain the pH during incubation. This medium is generally used in conjunction with selective agar subculture (e.g. Sorbitol MacConkey Agar with Cefixime Tellurite – (CT-SMAC)). -
A general purpose broth suitable for the cultivation of most micro-organisms including many fastidious organisms and fungi. It is recommended by the United States Pharmacopoeia for sterility testing of many pharmaceutical products. -
Tryptone Water is an alternative medium to Peptone Water and more reliable for the testing of Indole production. The medium has a high content of Tryptophan that many organisms, particularly coliforms, break down to form Indole. After incubation add a few drops of Indole reagent to determine the Indole reaction (Red colour is Positive). -
Based on Christensen’s Medium this medium is generally used to detect rapid urease activity of Proteus spp although it can be used to detect urease activity of other Enterobacteriaceae. When used for the later purpose it is necessary to increase the incubation time to as long as 48 hours. -
A modification of Christensen’s Medium by Maslen this medium is generally used to detect rapid Urease activity of Proteus spp although it can be used to detect Urease activity of other Enterobacteriaceae including Urease producing Salmonella and Shigella. Unlike Christensen’s Medium when used for the later purpose it is not necessary to increase the incubation time. -
BM1673 Virus Transport Medium (VTM) is a balanced medium for the transportation of viral samples (with or without a swab). The inclusion of Hanks balanced salt solution produces an isotonic medium with buffer capacity to maintain pH, provide essential mineral salts, and a visual pH indicator. Bovine serum albumin is present to help stabilise virus particles. Gentamicin & amphotericin B are added to prevent growth of bacteria and fungi that may be present in the specimen. • 3ml in self-standing M043 Tube • Aseptically filled • Red cap with swab capture point • Non-hazardous • Storage: 2-25°C • Shelf life: 365 days • Diagnostic processing should commence within 72hrs of sample collection. Medium is suitable for analysis via molecular (eg PCR), cell culture and immunofluorescence testing procedures.
