Description
Specifications Table
| Product Name | Baird Parker Agar Plate |
|---|---|
| Quantity/Pack Size | 20 plates |
| Form | Pre-poured agar plates |
| Grade | Laboratory grade |
| Application | Selective isolation and enumeration of Staphylococcus species |
Product Description
Baird Parker Agar Plate | MP043-20PT | Himedia is a ready-to-use selective and differential microbiological culture medium designed primarily for the isolation and enumeration of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, from food, clinical, environmental, and other microbiological samples. Baird Parker Agar is widely used in routine microbiological testing where selective recovery and preliminary differentiation of staphylococci are required.
The medium combines selective agents with differential components to suppress many competing microorganisms while supporting the growth of staphylococci. Lithium chloride and other selective components help inhibit unwanted bacterial flora, while tellurite contributes to the selective nature of the medium and produces characteristic reactions with certain staphylococci. The formulation therefore provides a suitable environment for recovering suspected S. aureus from samples containing mixed microbial populations.
Baird Parker Agar also incorporates egg yolk emulsion, which provides differential properties based on enzymatic reactions. Suspected S. aureus colonies may develop characteristic dark, gray-black colonies due to tellurite reduction and can be surrounded by a clear or opaque zone associated with egg yolk reactions. These colony characteristics can help laboratory personnel identify presumptive colonies for subsequent confirmation.
The MP043-20PT format is supplied as a prepared, ready-to-use agar plate, eliminating the need for laboratories to prepare the medium, sterilize it, add supplements, and pour individual plates. This can help reduce preparation time and simplify routine microbiological workflows while supporting consistent culture conditions between tests.
Baird Parker Agar Plates are particularly useful in food and beverage microbiology, pharmaceutical quality control, environmental testing, clinical microbiology, research laboratories, and educational settings. They can be incorporated into procedures for detecting and enumerating coagulase-positive staphylococci in accordance with applicable standards or validated laboratory methods.
The prepared plate format is convenient for laboratories performing regular microbiological examinations and requiring consistent selective media. Samples should be processed and inoculated using appropriate aseptic techniques, followed by incubation under the conditions specified by the relevant testing method and manufacturer’s recommendations.
Colony morphology and egg yolk reactions observed on Baird Parker Agar are considered presumptive indicators and should not be used alone for definitive identification. Suspected colonies should be confirmed using suitable biochemical, enzymatic, molecular, or other validated identification procedures. Proper storage, handling, incubation, interpretation, and disposal should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable laboratory protocols.
Overall, the Himedia Baird Parker Agar Plate provides a convenient ready-to-use selective and differential medium for the recovery, preliminary identification, and enumeration of presumptive coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, supporting efficient routine microbiological quality-control workflows.
FAQs
What is Baird Parker Agar used for?
Baird Parker Agar is a selective medium used for the isolation and enumeration of Staphylococcus species, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, in food, clinical, and environmental samples.
How do I interpret the results on Baird Parker Agar?
Staphylococcus aureus typically appears as black, shiny colonies with a clear halo due to lipase activity. Other Staphylococcus species may produce smaller, less distinct colonies.
Can I buy Baird Parker Agar plates in bulk?
Yes, eqipped offers bulk purchasing options for laboratories and institutions. Contact our support team for customized orders.
What is the shelf life of these agar plates?
The shelf life is typically 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions. Always check the expiration date on the packaging.
Are these plates suitable for student labs?
Absolutely. The pre-poured format makes them ideal for educational settings, reducing preparation time and minimizing contamination risks.
