10-30°C

//10-30°C
  • Alkaline peptone water is generally used as an enrichment medium in the isolation of Vibrio spp. from faeces. This medium may also be used for the enrichment of Vibrio spp. from food and water samples. First developed by Shread, Donovan and Lee as an enrichment broth for the growth of Aeromonas spp., Cruickshank showed that with a higher pH the medium can be used for the enrichment of Vibrio spp. The peptone is the source of the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. The high pH of the medium inhibits most enteric organisms for at least 24 hours.
  • Bacillus cereus (MYP) agar is intended for the selective enumeration of Bacillus cereus in food samples. This medium utilizes two reactions namely mannitol fermentation and lecithinase production to differentiate Bacillus cereus from other related species. As B. cereus is mannitol negative the colonies are pink in colour due to the presence of the phenol red pH indicator. Lecithinase production (from the addition of egg yolk) is indicated by a white precipitate around the colonies. This medium meets the requirements of ISO 7932:2004. Beef extract and peptone provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Sodium chloride helps maintain the osmotic balance and phenol red is the pH indicator. Mannitol is a fermentable carbohydrate. The medium is made selective by the inclusion of polymyxin B sulphate (LS0020). NB: This is a basic medium only and contains no additional supplement. It should be noted that some Proteus spp. and Gram-positive cocci may grow on this medium. Related Supplements : LS0020 Bacillus cereus Selective Supplement, BM0140 Egg Yolk Emulsion
  • Bacteriological peptone is an economical source of nutrients provided by a balanced mixture of meat peptones and tryptone.The growth requirements of most non fastidious organisms will be fulfilled by the range of amino acids, peptides and proteoses in this mixture.  
  • Baird Parker agar is a selective medium for the isolation and presumptive identification of coagulase-positive staphylococci. This medium is used extensively for detecting Staphylococcus aureus in foods, dairy products, and other materials. Enzymatic digest of casein, meat extract and yeast extract provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. The medium is made selective by the inclusion of lithium chloride and the addition of potassium tellurite. Glycine and sodium pyruvate are included as growth enhancers while the pyruvate also acts as a neutraliser of toxic peroxides. Coagulase positive staphylococci are differentiated by the addition of egg yolk tellurite (BM0530) due to their ability to break down the egg yolk. Clear zones around colonies form due to the proteolytic action of lecithinase. A secondary opaque zone, surrounding presumptive positive colonies, may also form due to lipase activity. Potassium tellurite is reduced by staphylococci giving rise to blackening of colonies. NB: Any black colonies (with halo (typical) or without the halo (atypical)) on this medium must be confirmed as Staphylococcus aureus by further tests (e.g. coagulase test or latex agglutination etc.) Related Supplements : BM0530 Egg Yolk Tellurite
  • KM8006

    Beef Extract

    Beef extract is sourced from bovine tissue and supports the nutritive needs of microorganisms. Providing a mixture of amino acids, peptides, minerals and vitamins this product is recommended for use in microbiological culture media for the examination of water, milk and other materials.  
  • 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.
  • KM0034 Blood Agar Base No. 2 is a general-purpose medium with is designed to be enriched with various concentrations of horse or sheep blood and is suitable for the isolation of most organisms including many fastidious anaerobes of clinical significance. Blood Agar Base No. 2, frequently shortened to BAB No.2, was developed to meet the demand for an especially nutritious blood agar base which would permit the maximum recovery of delicate organisms, such as streptococci, pneumococci, and other fastidious microorganisms, without interfering with their haemolytic reactions. Haemolysis observations may vary with the type of blood being used and previous studies have shown that sheep blood provides the most reliable colony and haemolysis characteristics. When the blood is chocolated the medium gives good recovery of Haemophilus species. KM0034, when prepared with required blood type, is recommended as a non-selective blood agar by UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations and is tested in accordance with the principals of ISO 11133:2014 . Related Supplements : Defibrinated Sheep Blood, Defibrinated Horse Blood, LS0008 Staph/Strep Selective Supplement, LS0017 Neomycin Selective Supplement
  • Brain heart infusion agar is very nutritious general-purpose medium and is suitable for the isolation of most micro-organisms including many fastidious organisms. The formulation is a modification of that from Rosenow and Hayden. The medium is not recommended for the determination of haemolytic reactions because of the glucose content. The nitrogen, vitamin and carbon sources are supplied by the Brain-Heart infusion solids and peptone. Glucose serves as the carbohydrate source and sodium chloride aids in maintaining the osmotic balance. A phosphate buffer, disodium hydrogen phosphate, is incorporated to help neutralize any acids produced as a result of glucose utilization 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 may ‘auto-sterilize’ the culture.
  • Brain heart infusion broth is very nutritious isotonic medium with a low concentration of glucose to stimulate early growth. The formulation is a modification of that from Rosenow and Hayden. Brain heart infusion broth is suitable for the isolation of most micro-organisms including many fastidious organisms and, with the appropriate enrichment, is suitable as a base for blood culture medium. The nitrogen, vitamin and carbon sources are supplied by the Brain-Heart infusion solids and peptone. Glucose serves as the carbohydrate source and sodium chloride aids in maintaining the osmotic balance. A phosphate buffer, disodium hydrogen phosphate, is incorporated to help neutralize any acids produced as a result of glucose utilization 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 may ‘auto-sterilize’ the culture.  
  • Brain-heart infusion solids is a dehydrated infusion of porcine brains and heart. This product can be used in preparing microbiological culture media providing nitrogen, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.  
  • KM0038 Brilliant Green Agar is used for the selective isolation of Salmonella species from clinical specimens and food samples. Brilliant Green Agar was first cited by Kristensen et al. and later modified to improve selectivity. The medium is highly selective and may not be suitable for the isolation of Salmonella spp. from samples where numbers of salmonellae are low. If this is suspected to be the case, or if the sample is suspected to contain Salmonella typhi, other selective media such as Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) Agar (E&O KM0013), Hektoen Enteric Agar (E&O KM0032) or Deoxycholate Citrate Agar (E&O KM0050) may be inoculated with the specimen in parallel. The United States Pharmacopeia indicates that the medium may be used to confirm the absence of salmonellae in nutritional and dietary supplements. The medium may also be used as a secondary plating medium for subculture from selective enrichment media during food and environmental testing, and as a primary isolation medium in the identification of Salmonella species from clinical specimens according to Public Health England’s UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations.
  • Brucella Medium Base is a general purpose medium for the cultivation of Brucella spp. and other fastidious microorganisms. Brucella Medium Base has been developed from the APHA formulation for Albimi broth. The peptones act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin source in this medium. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate and sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium.
  • Formulated to ISO 6579, Buffered Peptone Water (BPW) is a pre-enrichment medium designed to help sub-lethally damaged Salmonella spp. recover before introducing them into a selective enrichment medium. Enzymatic digest of casein is the source of the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance in the medium. Di-sodium hydrogen phosphate and potassium di-hydrogen phosphate act as buffers in the medium. This nutritious medium is free from inhibitors and is well buffered to maintain pH 7.0 for the incubation period. Sub-lethal injury to Salmonella spp. occurs in many food processes and this pre-enrichment step greatly increases the chance of their recovery, especially if a low number of cells are present in a sample.  
  • Burkholderia cepacia agar base is a selective medium for the detection and isolation of Burkholderia cepacia from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This is an important opportunistic pathogen in CF patients and can lead to fatal infection in approximately 20% individuals that have been colonised with B. cepacia complex organisms. This medium is based on the PC medium described by Gilligan et al. Magnesium sulphate, ammonium sulphate and ferrous ammonium sulphate supports the growth of B. cepacia. Potassium di-hydrogen phosphate and di-sodium hydrogen phosphate are buffering agents, used to maintain the pH the medium. The phenol red is used as a pH indicator. If the sodium pyruvate in the medium is metabolised by B. cepacia alkaline by-products are produced which raises the pH. This causes the colour of the medium to turn pink/red around sections of heavy growth on the medium. Bile salts and crystal violet are selective agents. The associated selective supplement for this medium, LS0125, contains ticarcillin and polymyxin B which further improves the selectivity, particularly with the inhibition of Pseudomonas spp. Related Supplements : LS0125 B.cepacia Selective Supplement, LS0026 Pseudomonas CFC Selective Supplement
  • KM0057 Campylobacter (CCDA) Agar is a selective medium for the isolation of Campylobacter spp., particularly C. jejuni and C. coli, from clinical specimens and foodstuffs. Campylobacter (CCDA) Agar was described by Bolton et al. and formulated to replace blood with a combination of charcoal, ferrous sulphate, and sodium pyruvate. This product is recommended for the isolation of Campylobacter spp. and complies with the requirements of ISO 10272-1:2017, ISO 10272-2:2017, is tested in accordance with ISO 11133:2014, and is a recommended medium in the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations for isolation of Campylobacter spp. from clinical specimens such as faeces. Bolton et al. recommended incubating inoculated plates at 37°C to improve isolation rates, but incubation at 41.5°C is recommended for the isolation of the commonly encountered thermophilic species (C. jejuni and C. coli). Selectivity is achieved through the addition of E&O LS0010 Campylobacter CCDA Selective Supplement, which includes a broad-spectrum antibiotic, cefoperazone, and amphotericin B to inhibit yeast and fungi.
  • This is one of several selective media available for the isolation of Campylobacter spp. in clinical, food and environmental laboratories. Campylobacter agar base is based on the formulation from Bolton and Robertson. The peptone is the source of the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance in the medium. The medium is enriched with lysed horse blood and made selective by the addition of cefoperazone, to suppress other enteric organisms, and amphotericin to suppress yeast and fungal growth (Preston supplement LS0010). Related Supplements : LS0009 Campylobacter (Skirrow) Selective Supplement, LS0010 Campylobacter (Preston) Selective Supplement, Lysed Blood
  • KM0052

    CEMO Agar

    This medium is based on the formulation published by Platt, Atherton & Simpson1 and is used for the cultivation of Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative organism in contagious equine metritis. It is routinely used for culturing swabs taken from the genitalia of mares and stallions. Enzymatic digest of casein and soy peptone supply nitrogen, carbon and vitamins and L-cystine is a required growth factor. Sodium chloride provides osmotic balance and sodium sulphite is present as a reducing agent. The medium is made selective by the addition of CEMO Selective Supplement (LS0041) to control bacteria and fungi from swab samples. References 1. Platt, H., Atherton, J. G. and Simpson, D. J. 1978. Equine Vet J 10, 153–159.
  • Cetrimide agar is a selective medium for the isolation and detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from pharmaceutical, clinical and cosmetic samples. The formulation is complaint with the requirements of the Harmonised USP/EP/JP. Detection is achieved using the unique ability of P. aeruginosa to produce the water soluble, bright green pigment pyocyanin. The production of this pigment is stimulated by the presence of magnesium chloride and di-potassium sulphate in the medium. The addition of glycerol (10ml/l) is required as this compound serves as an energy source. Cetrimide, a quaternary ammonium compound, is also present to suppress the growth of other Pseudomonas spp. as well as Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. Pancreatic digest of gelatin provides the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Related Supplements :
  • KM0185

    Charcoal Agar

    Charcoal agar is used for the cultivation of fastidious organisms, particularly Bordetella pertussis. Charcoal agar is prepared according to the formulation developed by Mishulow, Sharpe and Cohen. This medium is an efficient substitute for Bordet-Gengou agar in the production of B. pertussis vaccines and can be used as a maintenance medium for stock cultures of Bordetella spp. Beef extract and peptone provide the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. Starch and charcoal help in absorbing toxic metabolites that are produced during growth of the organism. Nicotinic acid is an essential growth factor for the growth of Bordetella spp. The addition of cephalexin (LS0018) inhibits accompanying contamination in the samples. NB: This is a basic medium only and contains no additional supplement. If cephalexin is added, it should be noted, that although coliforms are inhibited by this medium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and some fungi will grow. Related Supplements : LS0018 Bordetella Selective Supplement
  • Chromogenic coliform agar (CCA) conforms to the ISO 9308-1 guidelines for the detection, enumeration and isolation of coliforms and more specifically Escherichia coli in water samples by the membrane-filtration technique. The colonial differentiation is provided by the chromogenic substrates, Salmon-GAL and X-glucuronide. Salmon-GAL is used for the detection of ß-D-galactosidase enzymatic activity. X-glucuronide is used for the detection of ß-D-glucoronidase enzymatic activity. β-D-galactosidase, expressed by all coliforms, cleaves the Salmon-GAL substrate and producing red/pink coloured colonies. Unlike other coliforms, Escherichia coli cleaves both Salmon-GAL and X-glucuronide producing a violet/blue coloured colonies. Tryptophan is used to increase detection reliability by improving the indole reaction. The peptones, sodium pyruvate and sorbitol support bacterial growth and simple recovery of sub-lethal thermally injured coliforms. Sodium di-hydrogen phosphate and di-sodium hydrogen phosphate phosphate buffer the medium and sodium chloride is used to achieve osmotic balance. The selectivity is attained by the addition of Tergitol® 7 as it inhibits the growth of Gram-positive bacteria.
  • KM0005 CLED Double Indicator Agar (Bevis) is a differential culture medium used clinically for isolation and enumeration of bacteria in urine, from the suspected cases of urinary tract infection (UTI). KM0005 CLED Double Indicator Agar (Bevis) is a differential culture medium which contains cystine, lactose, bromothymol blue, acid fuchsin and is electrolyte deficient to prevent swarming of Proteus species. Bevis changed the original medium by Mackey and Sandys by introducing a second pH indicator to enhance the differentiation of colony characteristics of lactose and non-lactose fermenting organisms. The medium can allow for quantitative determination of urinary pathogens, including Proteus species, when automated systems or calibrated loops are used for inoculation. KM0005 is recommended as a differential primary isolation media by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations and tested in accordance with ISO 11133:2014.
  • KM0004 CLED Single Indicator Agar is a differential culture medium used clinically for isolation and enumeration of bacteria in urine, from the suspected cases of urinary tract infection (UTI). Originally described by Sandys, CLED (Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient) Single Indicator Agar is a differential medium which contains cystine, lactose, bromothymol blue and is electrolyte deficient to prevent swarming of Proteus species. The medium can allow for quantitative determination of urinary pathogens, including Proteus species, when automated systems or calibrated loops are used for inoculation. KM0004 is recommended as a differential primary isolation media by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations and tested in accordance with the principals of ISO 11133:2014.
  • Clostridium difficile agar, when supplemented, is used for the isolation of C. difficile from samples. This formulation is a modification of CCFA (Cycloserine-Cefoxitin-Fructose agar) developed by George et al. The proteose peptone act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin source in this medium. Fructose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. Disodium hydrogen phosphate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate are buffering agents. The magnesium sulfate acts as a source of inorganic ions and the agar is the solidifying agent. This media requires the addition of defibrinated horse blood and Clostridium difficile selective supplement (LS0022).
  • KM0001

    Columbia Agar

    KM0001 Columbia Agar is a modification of the original Columbia Agar formulation described by Ellner et al. from Columbia University and is tested in accordance with ISO 11133:2014. Columbia Agar provides a medium that is suitable for use with both defibrinated horse and sheep blood to support the growth and determining haemolytic reactions of a variety of microorganisms. Columbia Agar with the addition of plain or chocolated blood is recommended by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations for various purposes, including as a standard, supplementary or primary isolation medium. Columbia agar with blood is a general-purpose, non-selective medium suitable for isolation and cultivation of most organisms including fastidious anaerobes from clinical specimens. Chocolating the blood provides a highly nutritious medium which supports the growth of a wide range of pathogens including the most fastidious organisms and is particularly useful for the cultivation of Haemophilus and Neisseria species. Chocolate agar is the same as blood agar except that during preparation the red blood cells are lysed when added to molten agar base, which gives the medium a chocolate-brown colouration and from which the agar gets its name. As a result, cell lysis releases intracellular nutrients such as haemoglobin, haemin (X factor), and the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD or V factor) into the agar. These growth factors are available to fastidious organisms during growth. Related Supplements : Defibrinated Horse Blood, Defibrinated Sheep Blood, Horse Blood Lysed, LS0008 Staph/Strep Selective Supplement, LS0017 Neomycin Selective Supplement, LS0022 Clostridium difficle Selective SupplementLS0012 Bacitracin Selective Supplement, LS0011 Campylobacter Growth Supplement, LS0009 Campylobacter (Skirrow) Selective Supplement
  • This medium is used for the cultivation and enumeration of Lactobacillus spp. MRS agar is based on the formulation by de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe. The peptone, yeast extract and beef extract provides the reuired carbon, nitrogen and vitamin source. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate. The magnesium sulphate and manganese sulphate act as growth stimulants. Potassium phosphate is a buffering agent. Selectivity of the medium is achieved through the use of ammonium citrate and sodium acetate, inhibiting microorganisms such as streptococci and moulds. The addition of the surfactant Tween 80 is required to facilitate the uptake of nutrients from Lactobacillus spp.  
  • This is a selective medium for the isolation of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. from clinical specimens and environmental samples. This formulation was developed by Hynes through a modification of Leifson’s DCA medium. The peptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Lactose is a fermentable carbohydrate and neutral red is a pH indicator. Sodium thiosulphate and ferric citrate are used to detect hydrogen sulphide production indicated by the black centred colonies of hydrogen sulphite positive organisms. Sodium desoxycholate and sodium citrate inhibit most Gram-positive organisms.
  • A selective medium for the isolation and detection of dermatophytic fungi originally developed by Taplin et al. Dermatophytes appear as fluffy colonies with reddening of the medium while other fungi cause the medium to become yellow due to acid production. Yeasts will also grow on this medium but are readily distinguished by their distinct white/creamy colonies and distinctive smell. Soy peptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate. The inclusion of phenol red assists in the differentiation between saprophytic and environmental fungi. Although the low pH (pH 5.5) of the medium inhibits most bacteria chloramphenicol and cycloheximide are often added to further reduce the risk when processing material that may be more heavily contaminated. NB: Prolonged incubation should be avoided as this may cause fungi other than dermatophytes to turn the medium red. Related Supplements : LS0050 Chloramphenicol Selective Supplement
  • Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol (DRBC) agar is based on the formulation described by King et al. and is used for the selective isolation and enumeration of yeasts and moulds from food samples. The peptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Potassium di-hydrogen phosphate is a buffering agent and magnesium sulfate is a source of divalent ions and sulfate. In order to curtail the size of the colony diameters of spreading fungi, the antifungal agent dichloran is added to the base and the pH is reduced to 5.6. Rose Bengal suppresses growth of bacteria and restricts the size and height of colonies of more rapidly growing molds. The inclusion of chloramphenicol ensures the suppression of bacteria present in environmental and food samples. Rose Bengal is absorbed by yeast and mold colonies and this further aids in their enumeration. Occasionally reduced recovery of yeasts may be encountered due to the increased activity of Rose Bengal at pH 5.6.
  • KM0053

    DNase Agar

    DNase agar is used primarily in clinical laboratories to differentiate pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus from other staphylococci based on deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity. The tryptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. The addition of DNA to the base medium provides a simple method to check for DNase activity. Following incubation of the inoculated medium, the surface of the medium is flooded with a small quantity of 1M hydrochloric acid to precipitate the DNA. This results in the medium turning opaque. Organisms that can produce sufficient quantity of a DNase enzyme will hydrolyse the DNA resulting in a clear area around the colonies. Whereas DNase negative organisms will not produce clearing. NB: As with most tests of this type a positive result should not be taken in isolation and other appropriate tests, e.g. coagulase test, latex agglutination etc., should be carried out.  
  • DNase agar is used primarily in clinical laboratories to differentiate pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus from other staphylococci based on deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity. The tryptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. The addition of DNA to the base medium provides a simple method to check for DNase activity. The methyl green fades into a colourless compound if the DNA in the medium is depolymerised. Organisms that can produce sufficient quantity of a DNase enzyme will hydrolyse the DNA resulting in a clear area around the colonies. Whereas DNase negative organisms will not produce clearing. NB: As with most tests of this type a positive result should not be taken in isolation and other appropriate tests, e.g. coagulase test, latex agglutination etc., should be carried out.  
  • Edwardsiella ictaluri medium is a selective medium for the isolation of Edwardsiella spp. based on the formulation by Shotts et al. (1) Edwardsiella spp. may be differentiated from other microorganisms on this medium due to its colony morphology. The peptones provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. Colistin and bile salts are selective agents to inhibit most Gram-negative and Gram- positive organisms. Mannitol is a fermentable carbohydrate and bromthymol blue is a pH indicator. Phenylalanine and ferric citrate are used to detect phenylalanine deaminase activity in Proteus spp. Agar is a solidifying agent. Shotts et al. (1) noted Proteus spp. swarming can overgrow on a mixed cultured sample. Therefore, a selective supplement (LS0021) may be added to the medium to restrict Proteus spp. swarming
  • 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. This formulation complies with the Harmonized USP/EP/JP. Nitrogen is supplied by the gelatin peptone whilst glucose serves as the fermentable carbohydrate source. Oxbile and brilliant green are the selective agents helping to suppress Gram-positive non- target organisms. Auto sterilisation is prevented through the buffer system composed of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate.
  • Eosin Methylene Blue agar (EMB) is a selective medium primarily for the isolation of coliforms from clinical, food and environmental samples. This is the modified formulation of EMB proposed by Levine with a higher concentration of lactose and the sucrose omitted. The peptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Lactose is a fermentable carbohydrate and di-potassium phosphate is a buffer. Eosin Y and methylene blue are indicators. Methylene blue is also a selective agent. During strong acidic conditions, the dyes impart a metallic sheen to certain lactose fermenters, such as Escherichia coli.  
  • KM0006 Fastidious Anaerobe Agar is a general-purpose medium, when supplemented with blood and any necessary selective agents, can be used for the isolation and culture of fastidious anaerobes from clinical specimens. Anaerobic infections are common infections caused by anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria occur naturally and are the most common flora in the body; in their natural state, they do not cause infection. Anaerobic bacteria can infect deep wounds, tissue, and internal organs where there is little oxygen after injury or surgery. Infection by anaerobic bacteria is normally characterized by formation of abscesses, foul smelling discharge, pus, and free gas in tissue, leading to tissue degradation. KM0006 is recommended as a standard, primary isolation or supplementary medium by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations and tested in accordance with the principles of ISO 11133:2014. Related Supplements : LS0015 Actinomycete Selective Supplement, LS0017 Neomycin Selective Supplement, LS0022 Clostridium difficile Selective Supplement, LS0023 Clostridium perfringens Selective Supplement, BM0140 Egg Yolk Emulsion
  • This medium is for the growth of fastidious anaerobes, particularly Bacteroides spp. Fastidious anaerobe broth is also suitable for anaerobic blood culture. The peptone and yeast extract provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Haemin, vitamin k and L-cysteine HCl are growth factors required by some anaerobes. Sodium thioglycollate and L-cysteine HCl reduce the Eh of the medium and the agar helps maintain the Eh. Resazurin is a redox indicator and sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. NB: For best results it is recommended that the medium be heated in a boiling water bath, with the cap loosened, and then allowed to cool, with the cap tightened, immediately before use. The cap must be replaced on the container immediately after inoculation.  
  • Half-Fraser broth is a selective enrichment broth for the identification and isolation of Listeria spp., primarily from food and environmental samples. The antibiotics, nalidixic acid and acriflavine, are already included in the formulation so only ferric ammonium citrate (LS5004) need be added to make the complete Half-Fraser broth. The peptones provide carbon, nitrogen and vitamins, sodium chloride provides osmotic balance and the phosphate buffer system maintains pH. Lithium chloride inhibits enterococci and the antibiotics make the medium highly selective. Listeria spp. hydrolyse aesculin to aesculetin which forms a confirmatory dark brown or black complex with Fe3+ ions.
  • KM0016

    GC Agar

    KM0016 GC Agar is based on the formulation described by Thayer and Martin that was modified from the formulation development by Johnson for the isolation of gonococcus cultures and is recommended primarily for the isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis; however, it is also capable of supporting the growth of most fastidious micro-organisms from clinical specimens, and is recommended by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations for a variety of clinical samples, and falls under the category of selective media for pathogenic Neisseria spp. according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Enrichment of KM0016 GC Agar is usually attained using lysed blood but haemoglobin powder or chocolated blood are suitable alternatives. Further enrichment may be provided by the addition of Suplex Supplement (E&O BM0478) which contains yeast extract and glucose. Selective plated media variants of KM0016 GC Agar, may be prepared by the addition of various selective supplements such as LCAT Selective Supplement (E&O LS0001) or VCAT Selective Supplement (E&O LS0002). These supplements suppress most microbiota present in clinical specimens. Related Supplements : BM0478 Suplex, LS0001 GC LCAT Selective Supplement, LS0002 GC VCAT Selective Supplement
  • KM0215 Half Fraser Broth Complete is used to make Half Fraser Broth enrichment media for the isolation of Listeria species from food and environmental samples.

    Developed in 1988 by Fraser (1), the formulation can be made as primary enrichment Half Fraser Broth and secondary enrichment Fraser Broth according to the requirements of ISO 11290-1:2017 (2). KM0215 is recommended by the International Standardization Organization (2) and tested in accordance with the principals of ISO 11133:2014 (3).

    The nalidixic acid, acriflavine, and ferric ammonium citrate are already included in the formulation, so no additional supplements are required to make complete Half Fraser Broth.

    1. Fraser, J. and Sperber, W. (1988) Rapid Detection of Listeria spp. in Food and Environmental Samples by Esculin Hydrolysis. Journal of Food Protection, 51(10), pp.762-765. 2. International Standardization Organization (2017) 11290-1:2017 Microbiology of the food chain - Horizontal method for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes and of Listeria spp. - Part 1: Detection method. Geneva: ISO. 3. International Standardization Organization (2014) 11133:2014 Microbiology of food, animal feed and water — Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media. Geneva: ISO.
  • Hektoen enteric agar was developed by King and Metzger as a differential selective medium for the isolation of Shigella spp. and Salmonella spp. species from enteric pathological samples. The meat peptone and yeast extract provide the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Lactose, sucrose and salicin are fermentable carbohydrates. Bromothymol blue is added as a pH indicator in order to identify carbohydrate fermenting organisms. The combination of ferric ammonium citrate and sodium thiosulfate allows the production of hydrogen sulphide. Hydrogen sulphide positive colonies produce black centred colonies. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. The bile salts and acid fuchsin inhibit Gram-positive organisms.
  • This is a selective medium for the isolation of Helicobacter pylori from clinical samples. The medium is based on a modification of Campylobacter CCDA Blood Free Medium with charcoal, ferrous sulphate and sodium pyruvate replacing the horse blood. The medium is made selective by the addition of vancomycin and cefsulodin, to suppress other bacteria, and amphoteracin to inhibit yeasts. Horse serum (10%) is also added to promote optimum growth of Helicobacter spp. Related Supplements : LS0031 Helicobacter pylori Selective Supplement, SHS500 Sterile Horse Serum 500ml
  • Hoyle’s agar is selective culture medium for the isolation and differentiation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae types. Hoyle’s agar allows for rapid growth of the organisms and normally 18 hours incubation should be sufficient for a diagnosis. As the medium is highly selective, inoculation should be by rubbing the swab (or other material) over the entire surface of the agar, there is no need to spread the inoculum with a loop indeed doing so can cause the organism to be missed especially when they are present only in small numbers. The Elek method can be used to determine the toxigenicity of any C. diptheriae strains. The beef extract and peptone act as a source of nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. The sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance. This medium should be used in conjunction with two supplements: lysed horse blood at 50 ml/l and 10ml/l of potassium tellurite 3.5% solution (BM2230). Lysed horse blood provides added nutrients to the medium and potassium tellurite inhibits Gram-negative and several Gram-positive microorganisms. Related Supplements : BM2290 3.5% Potassium Tellurite Solution, Horse Blood Lysed
  • Kligler iron agar is used to differentiate between some of the enterobacteriacae on the basis of three reactions: fermentation of lactose and glucose and the production of hydrogen sulphide. Kligler iron agar is a modification of the original formulation developed by Kligler. It incorporates the principles of Russell’s double sugar agar with Kligler ‘s lead acetate agar. The peptone provides the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Lactose and glucose are carbohydrates. Acid production from their fermentation is detected by the phenol red pH indictor. Sodium thiosulphate is reduced to hydrogen sulphide which is detected by the ferric citrate indicator. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance.
  • Lactalbumin hydrolysate is obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis of lactalbumin protein in milk whey. This product is rich in essential amino acids as well as providing a source of nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. It is commonly utilized in media for tissue culture and for the production of vaccines as well as being useful for bacterial and fermentation media.  
  • KM0116

    Lactose Broth

    Lactose broth is used for the performance and confirmation of the Presumptive Test for coliforms in water and dairy samples. This medium is also frequently used as a pre-enrichment medium when testing foods, water samples and dairy products for Salmonella spp. Beef extract and gelatin peptone provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins in this medium. Lactose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Fermentation of lactose is detected by the production of gas
  • LB agar (Lennox) is used for the cultivation and maintenance of recombinant strains of Escherichia coli and is based on the formulation stated by Lennox. This medium is typically used in molecular biology procedures such as the detection of phage or plasmid transformed bacteria. LB agar (Lennox) is prepared using 5 g/L of sodium chloride and this level varies from that described by Miller. This allows for additional sodium chloride to be added at the point of preparation if required. Enzymatic digest of casein provides the required nitrogen and carbon for organism growth. Vitamin B complex required by recombinant strains of E. coli are supplied by the yeast extract. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance and provides sodium ions for membrane transport. Related Supplements : LS0035 Ampicillin Selective Supplement, LS0037 Kanamycin Selective Supplement
  • Luria Bertani (LB) agar (Miller) is used for the cultivation and maintenance of recombinant strains of Escherichia coli and is based on the formulation stated by Miller. This medium is typically used in molecular biology procedures such as the detection of phage or plasmid transformed bacteria. LB agar (Miller) is prepared using 10 g/L of sodium chloride and this level varies from that described by Lennox. Enzymatic digest of casein provides the required nitrogen and carbon for organism growth. Vitamin B complex required by recombinant strains of E. coli are supplied by the yeast extract. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance and provides sodium ions for membrane transport. Related Supplements : LS0035 Ampicillin Selective Supplement, LS0037 Kanamycin Selective Supplement
  • Luria Bertani (LB) broth is used for the cultivation and maintenance of recombinant strains of Escherichia coli for molecular biology procedures. LB broth (Lennox) contains half of the amount of sodium chloride found in LB broth (Miller). Enzymatic digest of casein provides the required nitrogen and carbon. Vitamin B complex required by recombinant strains of Escherichia coli are supplied by yeast extract. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance and provides sodium ions for membrane transport.
  • Luria Bertani (LB) broth is used for the cultivation and maintenance of recombinant strains of Escherichia coli for molecular biology procedures.(1) Enzymatic digest of casein provides the required nitrogen and carbon. Vitamin B complex required by recombinant strains of Escherichia coli are supplied by yeast extract. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance and provides sodium ions for membrane transport.
  • KM0015 Legionella Agar Base is the base for media used in the isolation of Legionella species from clinical, water and environmental samples and is tested in accordance with ISO 11133:2014. Legionella Agar, initially known as F-G agar, was modified by Feely et al. by replacing starch with charcoal, and casein hydrolysate with yeast extract which resulted in better recovery of Legionella pneumophila. The medium requires supplementation with ferric pyrophosphate as a source of iron, L-cysteine, an essential amino acid for the growth of Legionella spp. and α-ketoglutaric acid, which acts as a growth stimulant. ACES buffer/potassium hydroxide is also added to maintain the optimal pH of 6.9 for growth of Legionella spp. Omission of the L-cysteine produces a confirmation medium that can be used to test presumptive Legionella spp. as isolates will not be able to grow. Many variants of Legionella Agar can be created from KM0015 Legionella Agar Base by the addition of various supplements (GVPC is the most popular for water testing and BMPA for clinical testing).
  • Letheen agar modified is intended for use in the isolation of microorganisms from cosmetics. The casein peptone, meat peptone, beef extract and yeast extract act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources in this medium. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. The sodium bisulfite, lecithin and polysorbate 80 inactivates quaternary ammonium compounds. Polysorbate 80 neutralises phenols, formalin, hexachlorophene, and in combination with the lecithin, ethanol.
  • Letheen broth modified is intended for use in the isolation of microorganisms from cosmetics. The enzymatic digest of animal tissue, enzymatic digest of casein, yeast extract and beef extract act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources in this medium. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. The sodium bisulfite and lecithin inactivates quaternary ammonium compounds. Polysorbate 80 must be added to the medium prior to sterilisation. Polysorbate 80 neutralises phenols, formalin, hexachlorophene, and in combination with the lecithin, ethanol.
  • Listeria isolation medium (Oxford) is based on the formulation described by Curtis et al. and is used for the isolation and identification of Listeria spp. in food and clinical laboratories. Columbia agar base provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins in the medium. Lithium chloride is included to inhibit enterococci. Aesculin is present as an indicator; Listeria spp. will hydrolyse aesculin and the associated reaction with the ferric ammonium citrate gives rise to a black precipitate around the colonies. Selectivity is enhanced by addition of Listeria Oxford selective supplement (LS0030). This contains acriflavine, cefoxitin, colistin, fosfomycin and amphotericin to inhibit any yeasts present and some other Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms that may be present in specimens. Related Supplements : LS0030 Listeria Oxford Selective Supplement
  • Lowenstein-Jensen medium is based on the original formulation of Lowenstein that was subsequently modified by Jensen. It is used with fresh egg and glycerol for the isolation and presumptive identification of Mycobacterium spp., particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis, from clinical samples. L-Asparagine and Potato starch are sources of nitrogen and vitamins in the medium. Potassium hydrogen phosphate and magnesium sulphate enhance organism growth and act as buffers. Sodium citrate and malachite green are selective agents that have inhibitory effects on organisms other than the mycobacteria. Malachite green is also incorporated into the medium to provide a colour contrast between the colonies and the medium. The required addition of egg emulsion provides the fatty acids and protein required for the metabolism of mycobacteria. Glycerol is also added which is said to enhance the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis however other strains of mycobacteria, particularly Mycobacterium bovis, may be inhibited by its presence. Subsequently, sodium pyruvate (12.5 g/600ml) may be used as an alternative to glycerol to encourage the growth of Mycobacterium bovis.  
  • MacConkey agar No. 3 is a selective medium primarily for the isolation of Enterobacteriacae from waters and sewage. This media differs from the original MacConkey formulation in that as well as bile salts, crystal violet has been included as an additional selective agent. This has the effect of inhibiting Gram-positive organisms. The peptone acts as a nitrogen, carbon and vitamin source. Sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance. Lactose is a carbohydrate and during its fermentation causes a confined pH drop around the bacterial colony. This causes a colour change in the pH indicator, neutral red and bile precipitation.  
  • KM0124 MacConkey Agar with Salt is a selective medium for the isolation and differentiation of bile tolerant Gram-negative (enteric) and Gram-positive (staphylococci and enterococci) organisms in all areas of bacteriology. MacConkey Agar with Salt is based on the formulation by MacConkey in 1900. Staphylococcus and Enterococcus spp. are able to grow due to the omission of crystal violet from this formulation. This medium is recommended by the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health for the bacteriological examination of water, and KM0124 is recommended as a differential primary isolation media by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations.
  • MacConkey Agar without Salt and Crystal Violet, based on the formulation by Rappaport and Henig, is a differential medium for the isolation and differentiation of lactose and non-lactose fermenting enteric bacteria while also restricting the swarming of Proteus species. KM0011 is recommended as a differential primary isolation media by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations, The Microbiology of Drinking Water and tested in accordance with ISO 11133:2014. Related Supplements : LS0189 Cefotaxime Supplement (1mg/L)
  • A selective medium for the enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae and the detection of Escherichia coli in pharmaceutical products. The inclusion of bromocresol purple indicator makes the colour change caused by acid production from the fermentation of lactose easy to read with gas formation. The presence of ox bile helps to suppress the growth of Gram-positive and non-enteric bacterial species. This formulation complies with the Harmonized USP/EP/JP. Nitrogen is supplied by the gelatin peptone whilst lactose serves as the fermentable carbohydrate source. Oxbile is the selective agent helping to suppress Gram-positive organisms and bromocresol purple detects the pH change as a result of the fermentation of lactose.
  • KM8005

    Malt Extract

    Malt extract is sourced from hydrolyzed vegetal protein. Due to the high concentration of carbohydrate malt extract is particularly suited for the cultivation of yeasts and moulds especially in contaminated dairy products. In microbiological culture media it provides a source of nutrients, protein, and carbon.  
  • Malt extract agar is used for the detection, isolation and enumeration yeasts and moulds. The high carbohydrate content of the medium ensures rapid growth of yeasts and moulds. Malt extract and mycological peptone provide the carbon, protein and nutrient sources required by the organisms. The acidic nature of this medium allows for optimal growth of moulds and yeasts while restricting bacterial growth. Malt extract agar can also be used for the cultivation of fungi, although with the prolonged incubation necessary, cultures may become overgrown by bacteria. The selectivity of the medium can be increased by lowering the pH to 3.5-4.0 or by the addition of selective agents such as chloramphenicol. Related Supplements : LS0050 Chloramphenicol Selective Supplement
  • Malt extract broth is used for the cultivation of yeasts and moulds and is commonly used as part of sterility testing protocols. The high carbohydrate content of the medium ensures rapid growth of yeasts and moulds. Malt extract and mycological peptone provide the carbon, protein and nutrient sources required by the organisms. The acidic nature of this medium allows for optimal growth of moulds and yeasts while restricting bacterial growth.  
  • KM0031 Mannitol Salt Agar is a selective medium for the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from clinical samples, food, cosmetics and water samples. Chapman showed that adding a higher level of sodium chloride to Mannitol Salt Agar allowed for the recovery of pathogenic staphylococci and inhibits most organisms. Coagulase positive staphylococci (e.g., S. aureus) produce yellow colonies and a surrounding yellow medium while coagulase negative staphylococci produce red colonies and no colour change of the phenol red indicator. The medium conforms to the requirements of the Harmonised EP/USP/JP, is recommended as a primary isolation media by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations and tested in accordance with ISO 11133:2014 and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. This medium is also included in the Bacteriological Analytical Manual for cosmetics testing.
  • Formulated to ISO 6887-1, Maximum Recovery Diluent (MRD) is a diluent designed to maintain organisms by protecting the cells from unnecessary physiological shock that may occur using other aqueous solutions. MRD is used extensively in food and environmental testing. The low level of peptone provides a protective effect but does not allow for multiplication during the short residence time in the diluent, 45 minutes. The sodium chloride prevents osmotic shock as the sample is initially diluted.  
  • KM8004

    Meat Peptone

    Meat peptone is sourced from hydrolyzed proteins of animal tissue. This peptone consists of soluble amino acids and peptides that provide readily available nitrogen and other essential growth factors. It is primarily used for the cultivation of fastidious and non-fastidious microorganisms in microbiological culture media.  
  • Originally intended for enumeration of coliforms in water samples, a medium containing glutamic acid was devised by Folpmers and further developed by Gray as a potential replacement for MacConkey Broth. Later, Gray modified the medium to incorporate a variety of minerals promoting improved lactose fermentation by coliforms and Escherichia coli. Minerals Modified Glutamate Medium is suitable for the enrichment of low levels of coliforms and recovery of chlorine-damaged bacteria.

    Minerals Modified Glutamate Medium is recommended by the Standing Committee of Analysts and International Organization for Standardization. It is tested in accordance with ISO 11133:2014.

  • KM0183 Mueller Hinton Agar is used as a base to make various media for antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the disk diffusion method as described by Bauer-Kirby. First described by Mueller and Hinton, Mueller Hinton Agar has been approved as the definitive medium for antimicrobial susceptibility testing by European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST), Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and is compliant with ISO16782:2016. KM0183, when prepared as unsupplemented Mueller Hinton Agar, is suggested by EUCAST and CLSI for non-fastidious organisms such as Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas spp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Aeromonas spp., Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Vibrio spp., Bacillus spp. and Burkholderia pseudomallei. KM0183, when prepared supplemented with 5% horse blood and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), is suggested by EUCAST and CLSI for fastidious organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus groups A, B, C and G, Viridans group streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Pasteurella multocida, Campylobacter jejuni and coli, Corynebacterium spp., Aerococcus sanguinicola and urinae and Kingella kingae. Additionally, according to the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations, when supplemented appropriately, Mueller Hinton Agar can be used in the process of identifying Haemophilus species and the HACEK group of organisms and Helicobacter species from clinical specimens. Related Supplements : LS0005 NAD Supplement (20mgs/L), Defibrinated Horse Blood
  • 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 spp. 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 (40 mg/l) improves the inhibition of Proteus spp. Immediately prior to use it is necessary to add 20 ml/l of 2% iodine/iodide solution (BM0946). 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. Related Supplements : LS0024 Novobiocin Supplement (20mgs/L)
  • Mycological agar is a selective medium for the isolation of pathogenic fungi, particularly dermatophytes, from clinical specimens. Enzymatic digest of soybean meal provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Glucose is an energy source for the metabolism of fungi. The addition of chloramphenicol further reduces the risk of bacterial contamination when processing material that may be heavily contaminated with coliforms. Cycloheximide should also be added (0.4g/L) to suppress the growth of commensal yeasts and saprophytic fungi.  
  • KM0141

    Nutrient Agar

    A basic general-purpose medium suitable for use in the cultivation of the less fastidious organisms particularly those that do not require the addition of blood or other enrichment. When used to prepare agar slopes or agar butts, the medium can be used to maintain control organisms. The peptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance.  
  • A general-purpose medium for the cultivation of organisms that are less fastidious in their nutritional requirements. The beef extract, peptone and yeast extract act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources in this medium. Sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance.  
  • Nutrient Broth No.2 is used for the cultivation of fastidious pathogens and other microorganisms. This general use medium, rich in nutrients, allows the growth of bacteria when there is a low level of cells. The medium is particularly suitable as a secondary growth medium for staphylococci to be tested for coagulase production and also be used for sterility testing of aerobic organisms. Beef extract and peptone provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance.  
  • O-F Medium is used for the determination of oxidative and fermentative metabolism of carbohydrates by Gram-negative bacilli (1). This is on the basis of the acid reaction in either the open or closed system that has been covered with sterile paraffin oil. Changes in the covered agar are considered to be due to true fermentation, while changes in the open tubes are due to the oxidative utilization of the carbohydrate present. O-F Base Medium requires the addition of the specific carbohydrate being investigated. The enzymatic digest of casein provides the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins in the media. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate acts as a buffer and bromothymol blue is a pH indicator. The agar is a solidifying agent. Reference (1) Hugh, R. and Leifson, E.J. 1953. Bacteriol. 66:24-26.
  • Palcam agar is a selective differential medium for the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from food, clinical and environmental specimens. The Columbia peptone mix and starch provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Differentiation of Listeria spp. from enterococci and staphylococci occurs through aesculin hydrolysis and mannitol fermentation. Listeria monocytogenes will hydrolyse aesculin and the associated reaction with the ferric ammonium citrate gives rise to a brown/black precipitate around the colonies. Listeria spp. do not however ferment mannitol. Mannitol fermentation is seen through a colour change of the colony or the area around the colony from red to yellow due to the production of acidic end products. Phenol red is the pH indicator in the medium. Lithium chloride is included to inhibit enterococci. The associated Palcam selective supplement, LS0038, contains polymyxin B, acriflavine and ceftazidime to inhibit other Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms that may be present in specimens. Related Supplements : LS0038 PALCAM Selective Supplement
  • KM0149

    Peptone Water

    Peptone water is a general-purpose medium that supports thecultivation of non-fastidious organisms. This non-selective medium can be used a basal medium for biochemical tests such as carbohydrate fermentation and production of indole. Tryptone and peptone act as sources of carbon, nitrogen and vitamins in this medium and sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance.  
  • Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) is a buffer solution used in biological research. It is a water-based salt solution containing sodium phosphate, sodium chloride and, in some formulations, it contains potassium chloride and potassium phosphate. The osmolality and ion concentrations of the solutions match those of the human body (isotonic) and are non-toxic to most cells. This balanced salt solution is issued to meet the requirements of those tissue culture workers who use the Dulbecco Solution with and without calcium and magnesium.
  • Plate Count Agar is formulated to the A.P.H.A. specification developed by Buchbinder et al. This medium is intended for use in food, dairy and water bacteriology to perform Total Viable Counts. Tryptone and yeast extract provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate.  
  • Potato dextrose agar 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. This medium meets the requirements of the Harmonised USP/EP/JP.(1,2&3) REFERENCES (1) United States Pharmacopeial Convention. 2007. The United States pharmacopeia, 31st ed., Amended Chapters 61, 62, 111. The United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Rockville, MD. (2) Directorate for the Quality of Medicines of the Council of Europe (EDQM). 2007. The European Pharmacopoeia, Amended Chapters 2.6.12, 2.6.13, 5.1.4, Council of Europe, 67075 Strasbourg Cedex, France. (3) Japanese Pharmacopoeia. 2007. Society of Japanese Pharmacopoeia. Amended Chapters 35.1, 35.2, 7. The Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare.
  • KM0058 Primary Listeria Agar is a selective medium for the isolation, enumeration and presumptive identification of Listeria species and L. monocytogenes from food and environmental samples. Listeria monocytogenes is commonly found in soil, sewage, and faeces. It is difficult to eradicate, and can cause serious food poisoning; therefore, L. monocytogenes is frequently tested for in food processing facilities to avoid contamination. Contamination can occur at all steps of the food manufacturing chain from raw materials to point of consumption. Primary Listeria Agar is used for the detection and presumptive identification of Listeria spp. and the specific differentiation of L. monocytogenes. Based on the method of Ottaviani et al (1 2), this medium allows detection and enumeration of Listeria spp. as early as 24 hours. Primary Listeria Agar is recommended by ISO 11290-1:2017 (3) and ISO 11290-2:2017 (4) and tested in accordance with ISO 11133:2014 (5). References:
    1. Ottaviani, F., Ottaviani, M., and Agosti M. (1997) Differential agar medium for Listeria monocytogenes. Quimper Froid Symposium Proceedings, P6 ADRIA Quimper, France, 16-18 June.
    2. Ottaviani, F., Ottaviani, M.G., and Agosti, M. (1997). Esperienze su un agar selettivo e differenziale per Listeria monocytogenes. Industrie Alimentari, 36: 888-889.
    3. International Organization for Standardization (2017) 11290-1:2017 Microbiology of the food chain – Horizontal method for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes and of Listeria spp. – Part 1: Detection method. Geneva, ISO.
    4. International Organization for Standardization (2017) 11290-2:2017 Microbiology of the food chain – Horizontal method for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes and of Listeria spp. – Part 2: Enumeration method. Geneva, ISO.
    5. 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.
    Related supplements: BM8050 Primary Listeria Diagnostic Supplement, LS0210 Primary Listeria Selective Supplement
  • Primary Membrane Lactose Glucuronide Agar (mLGA) is used for the differentiation and enumeration of Escherichia coli and other coliforms through a single membrane filtration technique. The peptone and yeast extract provide the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Sodium pyruvate protects injured cells enhancing recovery and growth of coliforms. Sodium lauryl sulphate is a selective agent that inhibits Gram-positive organisms. Lactose is a fermentable carbohydrate and phenol red is a pH indicator. Lactose fermentation will result in yellow colonies. X-glucuronide is a chromogenic substrate which can be cleaved by the enzyme ß-glucuronidase present in E. coli. This results in a blue colony, but in combination with lactose fermentations colonies will appear green. NB: Prepared plates stored at 2–8°C may show formation of surface crystals which will disappear when plates are warmed to >20°C Related Supplements :
  • KM0007 Primary UTI Agar is a chromogenic agar that has been developed to allow differentiation and presumptive identification of organisms typically found in urinary tract infections. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) account for 35-40% of all hospital acquired infections in the UK. Gram negative aerobic bacteria are responsible for a considerable proportion of UTI’s with Escherichia coli isolation rates at 80-90% of first-time infections. Various other opportunistic bacterial species can cause UTI’s. KM0007 may be used as a chromogenic medium for the quantification and presumptive identification of bacteria in urine from clinical samples in line with the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations and tested in accordance with the principles of ISO 11133:2014. Related Supplements : SHS500 Sterile Horse Serum 500ml
  • KM0079 Pseudomonas Agar Base with the addition of supplements, is a selective medium for the isolation of Pseudomonas species primarily from clinical, food, water, and environmental samples. The medium can be made selective for Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the addition of E&O LS0006 Pseudomonas Selective Cetrimide and Nalidixic Acid Supplement which complies to ISO 16266:2006 and ISO 11133:2014. Alternatively, the medium can be made selective for Pseudomonas species by the addition of E&O LS0026 Pseudomonas CFC Selective Supplement which complies to ISO 13720:2010 and can be used as a primary isolation medium according to Public Health England’s UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations. Identification is achieved using the unique ability of P. aeruginosa to synthesise the iron chelating pigments pyoverdin and pyocyanin which combine to produce the characteristic green colonies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Production of these pigments is stimulated by the presence of magnesium and potassium ions in the medium. The presence of blue/green or brown pigmentation or fluorescence is indicative of presumptive Pseudomonas species. It should be noted however that further testing must be conducted to confirm the full identity of the organism.
  • KM0082

    R2A Agar

    R2A agar is used for the enumeration and cultivation of bacteria from drinking water. R2A agar developed by Reasoner and Geldreich is a low nutrient medium that can used in pour plate, spread plate, and membrane filtration methods for heterotrophic plate counts. In combination with a lower incubation temperature and longer incubation period R2A agar stimulates the growth of stressed and chlorine-tolerant bacteria. Traditionally nutritionally rich media have been used for this purpose but these media support the growth of fast-growing bacteria and may suppress slow growing or stressed bacteria found in treated water. Enzymatic digest of casein, proteose peptone, acid hydrolysate of casein and yeast extract provide the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate is a buffering agent. Magnesium sulphate is a source of divalent cations and sulphate. Starch and sodium pyruvate aid in the recovery of stressed organisms.  
  • Rappaport-Vassiliadis Soya Broth is used for the enrichment and selective isolation of Salmonella spp. This medium is a modification of the original formulation by Rappaport et al. and has been formulated to exploit the full characteristics of Salmonella spp. These characteristics include the ability to survive at relatively high osmotic pressure, to multiply at low pH values and greater resistance to malachite green. This formulation also has the correct amount of magnesium chloride as previous formulations did not take into account the volume of displacement caused by dissolving large amounts of magnesium chloride in water. This formulation has been shown to be superior to tetrathionate broth and selenite broth for the isolation of Salmonella spp. from meat products. Soya peptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate and di-potassium hydrogen phosphate act as buffers. Magnesium chloride raises the osmotic pressure in the medium. Malachite green is an inhibitory substance. NB: This formulation is very hygroscopic and will produce a slight exothermic reaction when mixed with water.  
  • KM0003 Sabouraud Dextrose Agar powder is a general-purpose, non-selective medium which is used for the isolation of yeasts and moulds from clinical, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic samples. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar is a modification of a medium originally described by Sabouraud. The fungi maintain their typical cultural appearance and thus may be readily identified according to the standard macroscopic characters described by Sabouraud. The formulation conforms to European, United States and Japanese Pharmacopeia requirements. This medium complies with ISO 11133:2014, where it is described as the main reference medium to carry out quantitative testing on culture media intended for fungi. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar is recommended by the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations for various purposes, including as a standard, supplementary or optional medium. Related Supplements : LS0050 Chloramphenicol Selective Supplement
  • Sabouraud liquid medium USP is used in sterility testing for the detection of moulds, yeasts and acidophilic microorganisms in pharmaceutical products. This medium is also used for non-sterile testing and for the determination of fungistatic activity. Sabouraud liquid medium USP conforms to the USP and Harmonised Pharmacopeia. The peptic digest of animal tissue and pancreatic digest of casein provides the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. The high concentration of dextrose is included as an energy source and in tandem with the acidic pH (5.6) facilitates the growth of fungi whilst providing limited selective properties.
  • This is a selective medium for the isolation of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. from clinical specimens and food samples. SS agar is a modification of the original DCA medium described by Leifson. The formulation for SS agar was later modified to improve the growth of Shigella spp. SS agar modified differs from SS agar in that it has an alternation to the bile salts mixture, peptone, pH value, and total g/litre. The peptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Lactose is a fermentable carbohydrate and neutral red is a pH indicator. Sodium thiosulphate and ferric citrate are used to detect hydrogen sulphide production indicated by the black centred colonies of hydrogen sulphite positive organisms. Bile salts, sodium citrate and brilliant green inhibit Gram-positive bacteria and a number of different coliform bacteria.
  • Selenite cystine broth is a modification of selenite F broth and is for the selective enrichment of Salmonellae spp. from clinical, food and environmental specimens. The peptone acts as a nitrogen, carbon and vitamin source. Lactose is a fermentable carbohydrate and sodium phosphate is a buffer. L-cystine is used to enhance the recovery of Salmonellae spp. in low numbers. The medium is made selective by the addition of sodium biselenite (KM8021). Following overnight incubation subculture(s) are usually made on to one or more of the many selective enteric solid media.  
  • Developed by Leifson, selenite F broth is a medium for the selective enrichment of Salmonella spp. from both clinical and food samples. The peptone acts as a nitrogen, carbon and vitamin source. Lactose is a fermentable carbohydrate and sodium phosphate is a buffer. The medium is made selective by the addition of sodium biselenite (KM8021). Following overnight incubation subculture(s) are usually made on to one or more of the many selective enteric solid media.  
  • Selenite mannitol broth is a modification of selenite broth and is for the selective enrichment of Salmonellae spp. from clinical, food and environmental specimens. Comparisons have shown that mannitol selenite broth is better than other enrichment broths for the isolation of Salmonellae spp. The peptone acts as a nitrogen, carbon and vitamin source. Mannitol is a fermentable carbohydrate and sodium phosphate is a buffer. The medium is made selective by the addition of sodium biselenite (KM8021). The fermentation of mannitol by Salmonellae spp. is said to correct the alkaline pH swing which can occur during incubation. Following overnight incubation subculture(s) are usually made on to one or more of the many selective enteric solid media.
  • Sheep Blood Agar Base has been developed to provide a nutrient rich medium compatible with sheep blood for the cultivation of many bacteria, especially fastidious Streptococcus spp., without affecting haemolytic reactions. Alternative culture mediums, such as Blood agar base No. 2, can results in mixed haemolytic reactions for some Streptococcus spp. This is thought to occur due to the trace amounts of fermentable carbohydrates in yeast extract and the physiological difference between sheep and horse blood. The tryptone, peptone, and yeast extract provide the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins in the medium. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. Related Supplements : LS0008 Staph/Strep Selective Supplement
  • KM0159

    SIM Medium

    For in vitro diagnostic use. KM0159 SIM Medium is a multi-purpose medium for the differentiation of Enterobacteriaceae. This is best described as a multi-purpose medium for the differentiation of Enterobacteriaceae that combines three individual tests into a single medium (hydrogen sulphide production, indole formation and motility). 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. H₂S positive organisms turn the medium black due to the formation of hydrogen sulphide in the presence of the sodium thiosulfate and ferric ammonium citrate often making it difficult to determine the other parameters. Indole production is tested for by layering a small amount of Indole Reagent (Kovac’s) onto the surface of the medium. A positive result is indicated by the formation of a pink colour at the interface of the reagent and the medium. The enzymatic digest of casein and enzymatic digest of animal tissue provide the required carbon, nitrogen, and vitamins in this medium. Ferric ammonium citrate and sodium thiosulfate are used to detect hydrogen sulphide production. The low concentration of agar allows for a semisolid media which is used for motility detection.
  • 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. Species that metabolize citrate as their sole source of carbon and ammonium as the sole source of nitrogen cause an increase in alkalinity of the medium resulting in a colour change from green to blue due to the presence of the pH indicator bromthymole blue.
  • This medium was originally described by Slanetz and Bartley(1) for the enumeration of enterococci from water samples using membrane filtration. The medium has also become useful as a direct plating medium. Tryptose and yeast extract provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate. The di-potassium hydrogen phosphate acts as a buffer. Selectivity is achieved through the addition of sodium azide which is used to suppress the growth of Gram-negative organisms. The medium contains tetrazolium chloride, which is reduced by enterococci to the insoluble red dye formazan resulting in dark red colonies of enterococci on the agar. It should be noted that this reaction is not exclusive to enterococci and colonies should be confirmed by additional testing e.g. aesculin hydrolysis.
  • Sorbitol MacConkey agar is a differential medium for the isolation of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 based on the formulation by Rappaport and Henig. It differs from other MacConkey mediums in that lactose has been replaced by sorbitol. As Escherichia coli 0157:H7 does not ferment sorbitol it produces pale translucent colonies whereas most other strains of Escherichia coli are sorbitol positive and produce pink colonies. Although it should be noted that colonies that are sorbitol positive can revert and possibly be mistaken as sorbitol negative. Tryptone and meat peptone provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Sorbitol is a fermentable carbohydrate and neutral red is a pH indicator. Bile Salts no.3 and crystal violet are selective agents and together inhibit Gram-positive cocci. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. If required, the selectivity of the medium may be increased by the addition of cefixime (0.05mg/L) and potassium tellurite (2.5mg/L). Related Supplements : LS0013 Escherichia coli 0157 Selective Supplement
  • KM8007

    Soy Peptone

    Soy peptone is manufactured from the enzymatic hydrolysis of soybean. This product provides a good source of nitrogen, carbohydrates, and vitamins. It is recommended for use in microbiological media for the detection and isolation of a wide variety of bacteria and fungi.  
  • Thiosulphate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose (TCBS) Agar is a selective isolation medium for culture of pathogenic Vibrio spp. from clinical and food samples. The formulation was developed by Kobayashi et al. which was modified from Nakanishi’s formulation. Vibrio species are most widely recognized for their role in human intestinal infections and cholera worldwide. Thiosulphate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose (TCBS) Agar is recommended by the FDA BAM, the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations, and complies with the standard laid out by ISO 21872.
  • Triple sugar iron agar is used to differentiate between some of the enterobacteriacae on the basis of four reactions: fermentation of lactose, glucose and sucrose and the production of hydrogen sulphide. Beef extract, yeast extract and peptone provide the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Lactose, sucrose and glucose are carbohydrates. Acid production from their fermentation is detected by the phenol red pH indictor. Sodium thiosulphate is reduced to hydrogen sulphide which is detected by the ferric citrate indicator. Sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance.  
  • KM8002

    Tryptone

    Tryptone is obtained by pancreatic digestion of casein. Casein is the main protein of milk and is a rich source of amino acid and nitrogen. This product can be used in preparing microbiological culture media providing nitrogen, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Due to the high tryptophan content in tryptone it can be used in detecting indole production.  
  • 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 as a selective medium for the isolation and enumeration of Escherichia coli without the need for membranes or pre-incubation. Based on the formulation of Tryptone Bile Agar it incorporates a chromogenic substrate, X-Glucuronide, to detect the ß-glucuronidase enzyme which is specific for the majority of E. coli strains. Approximately, 3-4% of E. coli are glucuronidase negative including E. coli O157.(1) The advantage of the chromogenic substrate is that the reaction is concentrated within the colony resulting in distinctive blue/green colonies of E. coli while the other coliforms produce cream colonies. The tryptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Bile salts No.3 is a selective agent against Gram-positive bacteria. X-glucuronide is a chromogenic substrate. Agar is solidifying agent.
  • Tryptone Soya Agar is used for a wide range of applications, including culture storage, enumeration of cells, isolation of pure cultures, or simply general culture. It has been found to be useful in cosmetic testing, water, and wastewater applications. Tryptone Soya Agar may be used to determine X and V factor requirements of Haemophilus species; sterility testing; and environmental monitoring within pharmaceutical cleanrooms and sterile facilities. This medium meets the requirements of the Harmonized USP/EP/JP and is based on the original formulation described by Leavitt et al. in 1955. Tryptone Soya Agar is recommended as a reference medium when testing selective media, to measure the degree of inhibition. In environmental monitoring applications, it is common for plates to be incubated at 30-35°C for bacterial colonies and 20-25°C for mould and fungi. Tryptone Soya Agar will support the growth of both aerobic and anaerobic organisms depending on incubation conditions. KM0024 unsupplemented is recommended by the World Health Organization, UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations, International Organization for Standardization and is tested in accordance with ISO 11133:2014. This medium is also included in the Bacteriological Analytical Manual for cosmetics testing. UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations also call for Tryptone Soya Agar supplemented with 5% sheep blood (E&O DSC) for aid in the identification of Bordetella species from clinical specimens. The addition of defibrinated animal blood to the base medium, promotes the growth of most fastidious organisms and presumptive identification can be made based on haemolytic reactions. It should be noted that the haemolytic patterns of isolates may vary with the source of animal blood. Addition of selective agents allows isolation and presumptive identification of specific species or groups of organisms. Related Supplements : Defibrinated Sheep Blood, Defibrinated Horse Blood
  • A general purpose and nutritious medium for the non-selective enrichment of non-fastidious and some fastidious organisms. Tryptone and soy peptone are the nitrogen and vitamin source in the medium. Glucose is the carbon energy source that facilitates organism growth and sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance. Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate is a buffering agent to prevent auto-sterilisation due to acid production during the growth of some organisms. Tryptone Soya Broth is also commonly referred to as Soybean-Casein Digest Medium or Tryptic Soya Broth and is abbreviated as TSB. TSB conforms to the Harmonized United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), European Pharmacopoeia (EU), and Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP).