Description
Specifications Table
| Product Name | HiCombi™ Blood – Mannitol Salt Agar Plate |
|---|---|
| Pack Size | 20 plates |
| Form | Pre-poured agar plates |
| Grade | Laboratory grade |
| Application | Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus and other halophilic bacteria |
Product Description
When it comes to microbiological testing, precision and reliability are non-negotiable. The HiCombi™ Blood Mannitol Salt Agar Plate from Himedia is designed to meet these exacting standards, offering a dual-purpose medium that combines blood agar and mannitol salt agar in a single plate. This innovative product simplifies workflows while ensuring accurate results, making it a staple in clinical diagnostics, research labs, and educational settings.
Mannitol salt agar is a selective medium that contains a high concentration of sodium chloride (7.5%), which inhibits the growth of most bacteria except for halophilic organisms like staphylococci. The addition of mannitol allows for the differentiation of pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus, which ferments mannitol and produces yellow colonies, from non-pathogenic species. The blood component enhances the medium’s ability to support the growth of fastidious organisms, providing a more comprehensive analysis.
Each plate is pre-poured and ready to use, eliminating the need for time-consuming preparation. This convenience is especially valuable in high-throughput labs where efficiency is critical. The 20-plate pack size ensures you have an adequate supply for routine testing without excessive storage concerns.
Whether you’re a student learning microbiological techniques, a researcher conducting experiments, or a clinician diagnosing infections, these plates deliver consistent performance. Their shelf stability and ease of use make them a practical choice for both beginners and experienced professionals.
Need reliable microbiology agar plates for your lab? Buy HiCombi™ Blood Mannitol Salt Agar Plates online at eqipped for fast delivery and competitive pricing.
How to Use HiCombi™ Blood Mannitol Salt Agar Plates
Using these plates is straightforward, but following proper techniques ensures accurate results. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Inoculation: Using a sterile loop or swab, streak the sample onto the agar surface. For quantitative analysis, use a calibrated loop to ensure consistent inoculum volume.
- Incubation: Invert the plates and incubate at 35–37°C for 24–48 hours. The inverted position prevents condensation from dripping onto the agar, which could interfere with colony growth.
- Observation: After incubation, examine the plates for colony morphology. Staphylococcus aureus typically produces yellow colonies due to mannitol fermentation, while other staphylococci may appear red or colorless.
- Interpretation: Compare the results with standard microbiological charts to confirm the presence of specific pathogens. The blood component may also reveal hemolytic patterns, aiding in further identification.
For best results, always follow your lab’s standard operating procedures and maintain aseptic techniques throughout the process.
Applications of Mannitol Salt Agar Plates
These versatile plates are used across various fields, including:
- Clinical Diagnostics: Essential for identifying Staphylococcus aureus in wound, blood, or nasal swab samples. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Food Safety Testing: Used to monitor food samples for staphylococcal contamination, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Research Labs: Employed in studies involving bacterial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, and microbial ecology.
- Educational Settings: Ideal for teaching microbiology students about selective media, bacterial identification, and laboratory techniques.
Their dual functionality makes them a cost-effective solution, reducing the need for multiple media types in routine testing.
Why This Product Stands Out
Not all mannitol salt agar plates are created equal. The HiCombi™ Blood Mannitol Salt Agar Plate from Himedia offers several advantages:
- Dual Medium: Combines blood agar and mannitol salt agar in one plate, saving time and resources.
- High Selectivity: The 7.5% NaCl concentration effectively inhibits non-halophilic bacteria, ensuring targeted growth.
- Ready-to-Use: Pre-poured plates eliminate preparation steps, reducing the risk of contamination.
- Consistent Quality: Manufactured under strict quality control to ensure batch-to-batch reliability.
These features make it a preferred choice for labs that prioritize accuracy and efficiency.
Safety and Handling
While mannitol salt agar is generally safe, proper handling is essential to maintain lab safety:
- Store plates at 2–8°C to preserve their integrity. Avoid freezing, as it may cause the agar to crack.
- Use within the expiration date to ensure optimal performance.
- Dispose of used plates according to biohazard waste protocols to prevent contamination.
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling microbiological samples.
Where to Buy Mannitol Salt Agar Plates Online
Finding a reliable supplier is key to ensuring you receive high-quality products. Eqipped offers a seamless online shopping experience with:
- Competitive pricing on mannitol salt agar plates and other lab supplies.
- Fast and secure delivery across India.
- Dedicated customer support to assist with orders and inquiries.
Looking for mannitol salt agar suppliers in India? Shop now at eqipped for genuine Himedia products and hassle-free ordering.
FAQs
What is the shelf life of HiCombi™ Blood Mannitol Salt Agar Plates?
The plates have a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored at 2–8°C. Always check the expiration date before use.
Can these plates be used for environmental sampling?
Yes, they are suitable for environmental samples where staphylococcal contamination is suspected, such as surfaces in hospitals or food processing facilities.
How do I interpret the results on these plates?
Staphylococcus aureus typically produces yellow colonies due to mannitol fermentation. Non-pathogenic staphylococci may appear red or colorless. Hemolytic patterns on the blood component can provide additional insights.
Are these plates autoclavable?
No, these are pre-poured plates and should not be autoclaved. They are ready to use and require no further sterilization.
What is the difference between mannitol salt agar and blood agar?
Mannitol salt agar is selective for halophilic bacteria like staphylococci, while blood agar supports a wider range of fastidious organisms. The HiCombi™ plates combine both for broader applicability.
