Description
Specifications Table
| Product Name | MacConkey Agar w/ 0.15% Bile Salts, CV and NaCl Plate |
|---|---|
| Pack Size | 50 plates |
| Form | Pre-poured plates |
| Grade | Laboratory grade |
| Application | Selective isolation of Gram-negative bacteria |
Product Description
MacConkey Agar plates are a staple in microbiology labs, designed to selectively isolate and differentiate Gram-negative bacteria. This formulation includes 0.15% bile salts, crystal violet (CV), and sodium chloride (NaCl) to inhibit Gram-positive bacteria while allowing lactose-fermenting and non-lactose-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria to grow. The addition of neutral red dye helps distinguish lactose fermenters (pink/red colonies) from non-fermenters (colorless colonies).
These pre-poured plates from Himedia are ready-to-use, saving time and ensuring consistency in your experiments. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or educator, these plates are ideal for routine microbiological testing, water analysis, and clinical diagnostics. The 50-plate pack size offers convenience for high-throughput labs or educational settings.
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MacConkey Agar is particularly useful for identifying enteric bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. The bile salts and CV suppress the growth of Gram-positive organisms, while NaCl maintains osmotic balance. This makes it a go-to medium for fecal contamination studies, food safety testing, and environmental sampling.
For best results, store the plates at 2–8°C and use within the expiration date. Always follow standard microbiological practices when handling and disposing of cultures. If you’re looking to buy MacConkey Agar plates online, eqipped provides authentic Himedia products with fast shipping across India.
FAQs
What is MacConkey Agar used for?
MacConkey Agar is used to isolate and differentiate Gram-negative bacteria, particularly enteric pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. It helps identify lactose fermenters and non-fermenters.
How do I interpret results on MacConkey Agar?
Lactose-fermenting bacteria produce pink/red colonies due to acid production, while non-fermenters appear colorless or pale. Gram-positive bacteria are typically inhibited.
Can I use MacConkey Agar for environmental samples?
Yes, it’s commonly used for water, soil, and food testing to detect fecal contamination or pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria.
How should I store these plates?
Store at 2–8°C in a sealed container to prevent dehydration. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the medium’s performance.
Is this product suitable for student labs?
Absolutely. The pre-poured plates are convenient for educational settings, ensuring consistent results without the need for media preparation.
