TCBS Agar

Premium TCBS Agar for Selective Isolation of Vibrio Species – Ideal for Clinical and Environmental Testing

Detailed Product Description:

Discover the power of TCBS Agar, a specialized microbiological medium designed for the selective isolation of Vibrio species from a variety of clinical materials, water samples, and food sources. This high-quality agar is essential for microbiologists and researchers who need to accurately identify Vibrio cholerae and other related organisms.

Key Ingredients:

TCBS Agar contains a carefully formulated mix of essential components that promote the growth of Vibrios while inhibiting gram-positive bacteria. Each liter of this medium comprises:

• Yeast Extract (5.0 g) – Provides essential nutrients for bacterial growth.
• Sodium Chloride (10.0 g) – Maintains osmotic balance.
• Proteose Peptone (10.0 g) – A rich source of amino acids and peptides.
• Ferric Ammonium Citrate (1.0 g) – Detects hydrogen sulfide production.
• Sodium Thiosulfate (10.0 g) – Serves as a sulfur source for Vibrio metabolism.
• Bromothymol Blue (0.04 g) & Thymol Blue (0.04 g) – pH indicators that reveal metabolic activity.
• Oxgall (8.0 g) – Bile salts that selectively inhibit unwanted gram-positive growth.
• Agar (15.0 g) – Provides solid support for colony formation.
• Saccharose (20.0 g) – A fermentable carbohydrate essential for Vibrio growth.

With a final pH of 8.6 ± 0.2 at 25°C, TCBS Agar is uniquely optimized to enhance the recovery of Vibrio species.

Preparation and Use:

To prepare TCBS Agar, simply suspend 89.0 g of the medium in one liter of distilled or deionized water. Heat with frequent agitation until boiling for 1 minute, then cool to 45-50°C and pour into Petri dishes. DO NOT AUTOCLAVE. The prepared medium will appear as a blue-green gel, indicating its readiness for use.

Quality Control:

For effective results, inoculate and incubate the prepared medium at 36 ± 1°C for 18-24 hours. This step is crucial for ensuring the reliability of your microbiological tests.

Storage and Shelf Life:

Store TCBS Agar tightly capped in the original container at 5-30°C. The dehydrated medium boasts a shelf life of three years from the date of manufacture, while the prepared medium should be kept out of direct light at 2-8°C.

Applications:

TCBS Agar is widely used in clinical laboratories, food safety testing, and environmental microbiology. Its ability to selectively isolate Vibrio species makes it indispensable for researchers studying cholera and other Vibrio-related diseases.