Food / Water / Environmental

Food, Water & Environmental Bottled & Bagged Media List

Bottled & Bagged ready to use culture media for the food, water and environmental microbiological testing laboratories: Broths, agars and diluents are dispensed into various containers and volumes using both manual and fully automated microbiology laboratory equipment production lines. An extensive range of containers/volumes and microbiological media formulations are on offer to meet your individual requirements.

 

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  • Alkaline Peptone Water is generally used as an enrichment medium in the isolation of Vibrio spp. from faeces. The high pH of the medium inhibits most enteric organisms for at least 24 hours. The medium is heavily inoculated with faeces and after not more than 8 hours incubation a loopful from the top of the medium is sub cultured onto TCBS Agar. This enrichment medium is also used for food and water testing.
  • Bile Aesculin Medium is generally used for the differentiation and presumptive identification of Group D streptococci (enterococci). Enterococci hydrolyse aesculin forming, amongst other products, aesculetin which in turn combines with Ferric ammonium citrate producing a dark brown or black complex. The presence of Bile salts in the medium inhibits gram positive organisms other than enterococci. The medium can also be used for the presumptive identification of certain organisms within the Enterobacteriaceae group such as Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., etc.
  • A very nutritious isotonic general purpose medium with a low concentration of Glucose to stimulate early growth, Brain Heart Infusion Broth is suitable for the isolation of most micro-organisms including many fastidious organisms and, with enrichment as appropriate, is suitable as a base for blood culture medium. A phosphate buffer is incorporated to help neutralise any acids produced as a result of Glucose utilisation and thus maintain viability of the organisms. NB: Organisms that produce large amounts of acid in the medium may overwhelm the buffering system and as a result ‘auto-sterilise’ the culture.
  • This medium is used to detect and/or confirm the presence of coli-aerogenes group of organisms in water, food and dairy laboratories. Bile and Brilliant Green are included in the medium to inhibit gram positive organisms while the coli-aerogenes organisms are identified by the formation of gas during the fermentation of Lactose. The medium can also be used for the confirmation of Escherichia coli by incubating at 44°C.
  • This is a modification of the original Nitrate Reduction Broth which is generally used as one of a series of identification tests for the enterobacteriaceae group of organisms. In addition to allowing the testing of Nitrate Reduction this formulation also contains Agar making it possible to concurrently determine motility. The medium is recommended for use in the confirmatory testing of Clostridium perfringens in water samples. The medium is inoculated by “stabbing” the test organism into the medium, using an inoculating needle or straight wire, and after appropriate incubation motility is demonstrated by diffusion of the organism from the line of inoculation into the medium. The Nitrate Reduction Test is a test for the presence of the enzyme nitrate reductase which, in the presence of an appropriate electron donor, reduces nitrate to nitrite. Following incubation “Nitrate Reagent” is added to the medium and a positive reaction is indicated by the formation of a red colour. For full details of the test method reference should be made to appropriate publications.
  • A pre-enrichment medium designed to help sub-lethally damaged Salmonella spp. recover before introducing them into a selective medium. This non-selective, nutritious medium is free from inhibitors and is well buffered to maintain the pH at 7.0 for the incubation period according to ISO 6579 (2002).
  • This is one of a number of selective enrichment broths that can be used in the isolation of Campylobacter spp from clinical, food and environmental specimens and contains nutrients to aid in the resuscitation of damaged organisms. The medium is enriched with Lysed Horse Blood and made selective by the inclusion of Vancomycin, Cefoperazone, Trimethoprim and Amphotericin B. Following incubation at 37ºC the broth is usually sub-cultured onto an appropriate solid Campylobacter medium.
  • The principle use for this product is in the testing of disinfectants and antiseptics. In 1989, the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) set up a technical committee to produce harmonised test methods for disinfectants and antiseptics. The CEN standards provide a useful basis for disinfectant validation, and although alternative methods could be used for assessing disinfectant efficacy, following the same basic methods allows not only direct comparison between products but also comparison across various different laboratories. The adaptability of the methods - numerous validation studies based on the CEN methods have been accepted by both the European and US regulatory authorities - allows end- users to customise the methods to their specific requirements. Lecithin and polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) inactivate surface disinfectants (lecithin neutralises quaternary ammonium compounds and Tween 80 neutralises phenols, formalin, hexachlorophene and in combination with the lecithin ethanol). L-histidine, in combination with lecithin and Tween 80, neutralises aldehydes and formaldehyde generating agents. Sodium thiosulphate neutralises iodine and chlorine.
  • BM0090

    Columbia Agar

    Columbia Agar is a nutritious general-purpose basal medium capable of supporting the growth of most micro-organisms, including many fastidious organisms that do not require blood. However when further enriched with Sterile Blood, which can be “chocolated” if required, the medium is generally used for the isolation of most clinically significant pathogens.  The medium can be made selective for various groups of organisms by the addition of a range of antimicrobial supplements. This formulation complies with the Harmonized USP/EP/JP.
  • Prepared from Minced Meat granules overlaid with Brain Heart Infusion Broth this medium is suitable for recovery, isolation and storage of the most fastidious anaerobes as well as many aerobes.
  • All E&O products are for in vitro use only. E&O products are intended only for use by qualified professionals who will safely handle and dispose of products they receive. All biologically derived materials (e.g. blood, sera) should be handled as if a potential biohazard. E&O media that contain antibiotics should be handled with care. Chemical resistant gloves, eye protection and laboratory coat should be worn.
  • All E&O products are for in vitro use only. E&O products are intended only for use by qualified professionals who will safely handle and dispose of products they receive. All biologically derived materials (e.g. blood, sera) should be handled as if a potential biohazard. E&O media that contain antibiotics should be handled with care. Chemical resistant gloves, eye protection and laboratory coat should be worn.
  • A sterile concentrated emulsion of premium egg yolks, suitable for incorporation in culture media which detect lecithinase production by bacteria. It can be used in media for Bacillus cereus and Staphylococci. Used with serum and Filde’s extract it may be used to produce Nagler plates for Clostridia.
  • This is a sterile emulsion of Egg Yolk in Saline containing Potassium Tellurite and is generally used as a selective differential agent in Baird Parker Medium. The complete medium is selective for Staphylococcus aureus as the Potassium Tellurite inhibits most coliform organisms and is also reduced by Staphylococcus aureus to tellurite giving typical black colonies on the Baird Parker Medium.
  • Enterobacteriaceae Enrichment Broth E.E. Broth is recommended as an enrichment medium when examining food and feedstuffs for Enterobacteriaceae. It is a modification of Brilliant Green Bile Broth, with an improved buffering capacity to encourage early growth and prevent autosterilization. E.E. Broth uses glucose instead of lactose to make the medium a test for all enterobacteria including non lactose fermenting organisms.
  • BM0640

    Fraser Broth

    A modification of UVM Medium, Fraser Broth is a secondary selective enrichment broth for the isolation of Listeria spp primarily from food and environmental specimens. The medium is made selective by the inclusion of Nalidixic Acid and Acriflavine. Darkening of the broth following incubation, due to the presence of Aesculin and Ferric Ammonium Citrate, is indicative of the presence of Listeria spp. Lithium Chloride is also included to inhibit the growth of enterococci that would otherwise hydrolyse the Aesculin. This medium is generally used in conjunction with Fraser Broth Half-Strength (BM0647). NB:  It should be noted that the lack of darkening of the broth should not be taken as a final negative result and all Fraser Broth enrichment cultures should be sub-cultured onto an appropriate selective agar medium irrespective of colour.
  • A modification of UVM11 Medium, Fraser Broth Half-Strength is a primary selective enrichment broth for the isolation of Listeria spp. from food and environmental samples and is generally used in conjunction with Fraser Broth (BM0640). Although the base is identical to Fraser Broth it differs in that it contains only half the quantity of selective agents (Nalidixic acid and Acriflavine).
  • Glucose agar allows for the detection of glucose fermentation (with or without gas production) as an identification test for Enterobacteriaceae (ISO 21528) and B.cereus (ISO 7932). It is further enriched by the addition of Yeast Extract. Bromocresol Purple is also included and acts as an indicator of glucose fermentation.
  • This is a chemical complex which should be used in conjunction with BM0945 Muller – Kauffmann Tetrathionate Broth Base. It is recommended that the complex is used as a 2% solution with the base media and should be only added on the day of use.
  • This is a modification of the traditional liquid media used to differentiate and identify micro-organisms.  It consists of a Buffered Tryptose base containing Lactose and solidified with Gelatin which permits detection of Gelatin Liquefaction where appropriate. Phenol Red Indicator is also included as an indicator of pH change.
  • Product description to follow.
  • Letheen Broth with Neutraliser and 1% Tween 80 is primarily intended for use in assessing the bactericidal activity of quaternary ammonium compounds and determining the phenol coefficient of cationic surfactants. It can also be used in environmental testing, particularly in areas subjected to surface disinfection. Lecithin and polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) inactivate surface disinfectants (lecithin neutralises quaternary ammonium compounds and Tween 80 neutralises phenols, formalin, hexachlorophene and in combination with the lecithin ethanol).
  • This is a selective medium for the isolation of ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) producing strains of Escherichia coli. It should be noted that AmpC isolates may also be detected on this medium whilst non - ESBL organisms will be inhibited on this medium. The inclusion of bromocresol purple indicator displays the acid production due to the lactose fermentation by means of a colour change from purple to yellow. N.B. – This is double strength broth.
  • Malt Extract Agar is a medium for the isolation of many yeasts and moulds. The low pH inhibits most bacteria and further selectivity can be achieved by lowering the pH even more by adding lactic acid to the molten cooled, medium. This formulation is customer specific with a request for an additional 5g/L of agar from the customer. It should be noted that excess heating of the medium could result in hydrolysis of the agar resulting in softening of the agar.
  • Maximum Recovery Diluent (Peptone/ Saline Diluent) An osmotically controlled solution for the preparations of suspensions of food samples and for use as a diluent in dilution techniques for bacterial enumeration. The presence of a low level peptone lessens the physiological shock normally experienced by bacterial cells when they are introduced to a diluent such as Ringers Solution. The level of peptone is such that multiplication of the organisms is not possible in the time in which the sample will be present in the diluent.
  • For the enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform organisms in water using a Membrane Filtration Technique. Previously known as Membrane Enriched Teepol Broth, Lauryl Sulphate has replaced Teepol 610, which is no longer available. Phenol Red is included in the medium making it possible for coliforms to be more readily detected following incubation.
  • This is a liquid medium for growing pure cultures of Mycobacterium spp., including M. tuberculosis, for use in antimicrobial assays and biochemical tests.   The medium is complex but includes L-Glutamic acid, ammonium sulphate, sodium citrate, pyridoxine and biotin as growth factors as well as magnesium sulphate and ferric ammonium citrate as sources of trace ions. Di-sodium phosphate and Mono-potassium phosphate are also present to maintain the pH of the medium. The medium is further enriched by the addition of the Middlebrook OADC Enrichment supplement. OADC contains oleic acid to provide fatty acids for growth promotion, bovine albumin and catalase as protective compounds as well as sodium chloride and dextrose.
  • This medium is recommended by BSI and ISO for the enumeration of viable organisms in milk and other dairy products. It can also be used as a general-purpose medium for the cultivation of most organisms, particularly those that are less fastidious in their nutritional requirements.
  • A broth suitable for the cultivation of bacteria especially members of the Enterobacteriacae genus. This medium allows for the detection of gas when a Durhum tube is incorporated in the medium.
  • A broth suitable for the cultivation of bacteria especially members of the Enterobacteriacae genus. Which allows the detection of acid & gas when a Durhum tube is incorporated in the medium.
  • Modified Semi Solid Rappaport Vassiliadis Medium (MSRV) is a modification of Rappaport-Vassiliadis enrichment broth for detecting motile Salmonella spp. in faeces and food products. The original research on MSRV Medium revealed a semi-solid could be used as a rapid and sensitive test for isolating motile Salmonella spp. from food products following pre-enrichment or selective enrichment. The semi-solid medium allows motility to be detected as halos of growth around the original point of inoculation.
  • This is best described as a multi-purpose medium for differentiation of enterobacteriacae that combines three individual tests into a single medium. For use the medium is inoculated by making a single stab into the medium with a straight wire (or equivalent) using a pure culture (or discrete single colony) of the test organism. Following incubation it is recommended that the medium should first of all be examined to determine whether or not the organism is motile. The presence of motility is apparent by the organism tracking out from the line of inoculation and often turning the medium turbid. Non-motile organisms generally grow within the stab line leaving the surrounding medium clear. Urease positive organisms (e.g. Proteus spp) turn the medium bright red due to the hydrolysis of the Urea in the presence of the Phenol Red Indicator often making it difficult to determine the other parameters.Indole is tested for by layering a small amount of Indole Reagent (Erlich’s or Kovac’s appear to work equally well) onto the surface of the medium and allowed a few minutes to react. A positive result is indicated by the formation of a red line at the interface of the reagent and the medium.
  • de Man, Rogosa & Sharpe (MRS) Agar M.R.S. Agar is intended for the cultivation and enumeration of Lactobacillus spp from a variety of sources and can be used as an alternative to Orange Serum Agar for that purpose. Magnesium Sulphate, Manganese Sulphate, Sodium Acetate and Tween are included as growth supplements. The medium can be made more specific for lactobacilli generally by lowering the pH to between 5.0 and 5.5. This has the effect of inhibiting most streptococci that may otherwise grow on the medium and can be readily confused with lactobacilli.
  • This is a solution of novobiocin used as the selective agent in Modified Semi Solid Rappaport Vassiliadis Medium (BM4031) for the detection of motile Salmonella spp.
  • This is a selective enrichment broth for the isolation of Salmonella spp. primarily from food and food product samples and conforms to the requirements ISO 6579:2002. It can however be used in other areas including clinical and environmental specimens. Salmonella reduce Tetrathionate and will proliferate in the medium whilst most other enteric organisms are inhibited. Unlike the older traditional Tetrathionate Broth the addition of Novobiocin (40mg/L) improves the inhibition of Proteus spp. Immediately prior to use it is necessary to add 200µl of 2% Iodine/Iodide Solution (BM0946 - Supplied with the medium). Once the Iodine/Iodide Solution has been added the medium should be used immediately and cannot be stored for future use. NB: As this is an opaque medium, the turbidity of the broth alone cannot be used as an indication of growth.
  • This is a selective enrichment broth for the isolation of Salmonellae spp. primarily from food and food product samples and conforms to the requirements as described in ISO 6579:2002. It can however be used in other areas including for clinical and environmental specimens. Salmonella reduce Tetrathionate and will proliferate in the medium whilst most other enteric organisms are inhibited. Unlike the older traditional Tetrathionate Broth the addition of Novobiocin (40mg/L) improves the inhibition of Proteus spp. This complete medium already includes the 2% Iodine solution that is traditionally added immediately before use. NB:  As this is an opaque medium turbidity cannot be used as an indication of growth.
  • This is a general-purpose neutralising diluent used particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Lecithin, L-histidine and Tween 80 are present to inactivate surface disinfectants such as quaternary ammonium compounds, phenols, aldehydes (including formaldehyde), hexachlorophene and ethanol. The diluent may be used in sampling surfaces and equipment (including endoscopes) to detect the presence of surviving microorganisms after disinfection. The presence of the surfactant Tween 80 also helps release adherent organisms from surfaces being tested.
  • This is a non-nutrient medium based on Page’s Amoeba Saline, a buffered salt solution, solidified with 1.5% Agar.
  • BM0540

    Nutrient Agar

    A general purpose medium for the cultivation of organisms that are less fastidious in their nutritional requirements.  This particular formulation has additional 0.2% Agar added to provide for a firmer medium without loss of efficacy. Generally used to maintain cultures or to check the purity of subcultures from isolation media.
  • A general-purpose medium for the cultivation of organisms that are less fastidious in their nutritional requirements.
  • 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.
  • BM0300

    Peptone Water

    A general-purpose medium that can be used as a base for carbohydrate fermentation media. It has a high level of Tryptone and is therefore also suitable for use in Indole testing.
  • This is one of the large group of media, affectionately known as ‘Peptone Water Sugars’, that are generally used in the screening and/or identification of organisms particularly the enterobacteriacae. A positive fermentation of the substrate is clearly indicated by the medium turning pink due to the inclusion Andrade’s Indicator.
  • This is a base medium to which can be added selective supplements of choice for the presumptive identification and enumeration of Clostridium perfringens in food products using poured plate techniques. Sodium metabisulphite and Ferric ammonium citrate are included in the base and together provide an indicator of sulphite reaction by Clostridium perfringens, which produces black colonies on the medium.  It is recommended that this medium be used with an overlay otherwise cultures may not grow as black colonies. NB: This is a base medium only and contains no selective supplements.
  • 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).
  • Originally intended for use in surface counting and pour plating techniques this medium can be used as a general purpose medium for the cultivation of most organisms particularly those that are less fastidious in their nutritional requirements. Can also be used as a maintenance medium for stock cultures.
  • This medium is recommended for the detection and enumeration of yeasts and moulds in food and dairy products. It can also be used for the cultivation of fungi although with the prolonged incubation necessary cultures may become overgrown by bacteria. The low pH (5.6) suppresses the growth of most bacteria and the low mineral content ensures good pigment production by fungi where appropriate.
  • BM0274

    R2A Agar

    Traditionally, standard methods for enumeration of heterotrophic bacteria in water have used nutritionally rich media with incubation at 35°C. This may represent only a small percentage of bacteria present in the sample. R2A agar is a nutritionally reduced medium which, when combined with incubation at lower temperatures for longer time periods, results in enhanced recovery of stressed and chlorine damaged organisms from treated waters resulting in higher more realistic bacterial counts.
  • Rappaport Vassiliadis (R.V.) Single Component Enrichment Broth This is an alternative to Selenite and Tetrathionate broths, as a selective enrichment broth for the isolation of Salmonellae spp from food, dairy and environmental samples and is claimed by some workers to be superior to both these formulations. It can also be used in clinical bacteriology but care must be taken to ensure that only a light inoculum is used. Malachite Green and Magnesium Chloride are included in the formulation as selective agents due to their ability to inhibit most enteric organisms but allow salmonellae to multiply freely. NB: This media is not recommended for use when salmonella typhi is suspected.
  • 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.
  • Sterile Isotonic Saline suitable for use in preparation of food samples and/or as a rinse during examination of equipment etc. prior to culture. It can also be used as a general purpose diluent in many areas of the laboratory.
  • BM0381

    Saline (0.9%)

    Universal Isotonic Saline Solution.
  • A medium for the selective enrichment of Salmonellae spp from both clinical and food samples. It is a buffered Lactose Peptone Broth to which Sodium Biselenite is added as the selective agent and Cystine to enhance the recovery of salmonella in low numbers. 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 medium is utilised for the transportation and cryopreservation of Streptococcus pneumoniae & Neisseria meningitidis isolates.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • This is a general-purpose medium supporting a wide range of organisms. It conforms to the requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia for sterility testing of pharmaceutical products as well as being suitable in all areas of bacteriological investigation.
  • 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)).
  • 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).
  • Recent developments in culture media have given rise to the use of chromogenic substrates as a means of differentiating bacteria particularly among the coliform group of organisms. This is one such medium and has been developed primarily as a selective medium for the isolation and enumeration of Escherichia coli in food samples. Based on Tryptone Bile Agar it incorporates the chromogenic agent X-glucuronide, which detects glucuronidase activity, the same enzyme as is detected by MUG reagent. Escherichia coli can be differentiated from other coliform organisms by the presence of glucuronidase resulting in the colonies being blue/green while the other coliforms are colourless. For information on the full technical detail as to the functionality of this medium reference should be made to the many publications available.
  • 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.
  • BM0460

    Urea Broth

    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.
  • A medium for the enumeration of coliform organisms in food and dairy products. Lactose fermenters produce red/purple colonies often surrounded by a halo of the same colour. Non-lactose fermenters produce pale colonies. Selective agents are Bile salts and crystal violet used to inhibit Gram positive and non-enteric organisms.
  • A modification of Violet Red Bile agar designed to give a ‘coliform’ count. In this medium lactose is substituted with glucose. Glucose is fermented by all members of the Enterobacteriaceae thus V.R.B.G.A gives a presumptive Enterobacteriaceae count. Bile salts and crystal violet are used to inhibit Gram positive and non-enteric organisms. The growth of non-fermentative Gram negative bacteria can be suppressed by using the agar overlay method.
  • Originally intended for use in surface counting and pour plating techniques in food and dairy products this medium can be used as a general-purpose medium for the cultivation of most non-fastidious organisms.