Description
Specifications Table
| Product Name | Deoxycholate Citrate Agar Medium |
|---|---|
| Quantity/Pack Size | 100 gm |
| Form | Powder |
| Grade | Laboratory Grade |
| Application | Isolation of Salmonella and Shigella |
Product Description
Deoxycholate Citrate Agar Medium is a specialized microbial growth medium designed for the selective isolation of Salmonella and Shigella species. This medium is widely used in clinical microbiology, food testing, and research laboratories due to its ability to suppress gram-positive bacteria while promoting the growth of target pathogens.
The formulation includes sodium deoxycholate, which acts as a detergent to inhibit gram-positive organisms, and sodium citrate, which enhances the selectivity by restricting the growth of coliforms. The medium also contains neutral red as a pH indicator, helping to differentiate lactose-fermenting and non-lactose-fermenting colonies.
Whether you’re a student conducting microbiology experiments or a researcher working on pathogen identification, this medium provides reliable and consistent results. Its ease of preparation and long shelf life make it a staple in labs across India.
Need a reliable medium for Salmonella and Shigella isolation? Buy Deoxycholate Citrate Agar online from eqipped for assured quality and fast delivery.
Key Applications
This medium is essential for:
- Clinical diagnostics for enteric pathogens
- Food and water safety testing
- Educational microbiology labs
- Research on bacterial pathogenesis
Why This Medium Stands Out
Unlike generic agar media, Deoxycholate Citrate Agar is specifically formulated to:
- Inhibit gram-positive bacteria effectively
- Provide clear differentiation of target colonies
- Support robust growth of Salmonella and Shigella
For researchers and students, this means fewer false positives and more accurate results in experiments.
Preparation and Usage
To prepare the medium, suspend 55 grams of the powder in 1 liter of distilled water. Heat to boiling to dissolve completely, then sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes. Cool to 45-50°C before pouring into sterile Petri dishes.
For best results, store the prepared medium at 2-8°C and use within the recommended shelf life. Always follow standard microbiological practices when handling and disposing of cultures.
Safety and Handling
This product is for laboratory use only. While not highly hazardous, it should be handled with standard precautions:
- Wear gloves and lab coats
- Avoid inhalation of powder
- Dispose of waste according to biohazard protocols
FAQs
What is the shelf life of Deoxycholate Citrate Agar Medium?
The powder has a shelf life of 24 months when stored in a cool, dry place. Prepared plates should be used within 7 days.
Can this medium be used for environmental samples?
Yes, it is suitable for testing water, food, and environmental samples for Salmonella and Shigella contamination.
How does this medium differ from XLD Agar?
While both are used for enteric pathogen isolation, Deoxycholate Citrate Agar is more selective against gram-positive bacteria and coliforms.
Is this medium available in ready-to-use plates?
Currently, eqipped offers this product in powder form for flexibility in lab preparation.
What is the recommended incubation time?
Incubate plates at 35-37°C for 18-24 hours for optimal results.
