Description
Specifications Table
| Product Name | Mannitol Salt Agar Plate |
|---|---|
| Quantity/Pack Size | 20 plates |
| Form | Pre-poured plates |
| Grade | Laboratory grade |
| Application | Selective isolation of Staphylococcus species |
Product Description
When you need reliable results for Staphylococcus detection, these Mannitol Salt Agar plates from Himedia deliver consistent performance. The 7.5% sodium chloride concentration creates an environment where only salt-tolerant bacteria like Staphylococcus can thrive, while the mannitol fermentation indicator helps differentiate pathogenic strains.
Each pack contains 20 ready-to-use plates, eliminating the need for media preparation and autoclaving. The pre-poured format saves valuable lab time while maintaining the same high standards you’d expect from freshly prepared media. Whether you’re conducting routine quality control tests or teaching microbiology students about selective media, these plates provide clear, interpretable results.
For researchers studying staphylococcal infections or educators demonstrating bacterial growth characteristics, this medium offers excellent selectivity. The plates arrive sterile and properly sealed, maintaining their integrity during transit. When you buy Mannitol Salt Agar plates online from eqipped, you’re getting a product trusted by laboratories across India for its reliability and consistency.
Get accurate Staphylococcus isolation results with these pre-poured Mannitol Salt Agar plates – order your pack today and experience the convenience of ready-to-use media.
Understanding Mannitol Salt Agar
This selective and differential medium plays a crucial role in clinical and research microbiology. The high salt concentration inhibits most bacterial growth while allowing Staphylococcus species to flourish. The mannitol component serves as a fermentable carbohydrate – organisms that ferment mannitol produce acid, turning the phenol red indicator yellow.
This dual functionality makes the medium particularly useful for:
- Identifying pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus (which typically ferments mannitol)
- Differentiating between coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci
- Monitoring food and environmental samples for staphylococcal contamination
Practical Applications
In educational settings, these plates help students visualize the concept of selective media. The clear differentiation between mannitol-fermenting and non-fermenting colonies provides excellent teaching moments about bacterial metabolism and identification techniques.
For research applications, the consistent formulation ensures reproducible results across experiments. The plates maintain their selective properties throughout their shelf life when stored properly, making them ideal for long-term studies.
Storage and Handling
Store the plates at 2-8°C in their original packaging until ready to use. Avoid freezing as this may affect the medium’s performance. Once opened, use the plates promptly to prevent contamination or drying.
When inoculating, follow standard aseptic techniques. Incubate at 35-37°C for 24-48 hours for optimal results. Always check for proper colony characteristics – Staphylococcus aureus typically produces yellow colonies surrounded by yellow zones, while other staphylococci may appear pink or red.
Why This Formulation Matters
The Himedia formulation maintains the perfect balance of selective and differential properties. The 7.5% NaCl concentration effectively inhibits non-halophilic organisms while the mannitol and phenol red system provides clear visual differentiation. This combination makes these plates particularly valuable for both diagnostic and educational purposes.
Safety Considerations
While this medium itself isn’t hazardous, always handle microbial cultures with appropriate safety measures. Use in a properly equipped laboratory with standard biosafety practices. Dispose of used plates according to your institution’s biohazard waste protocols.
FAQs
What is the shelf life of these Mannitol Salt Agar plates?
The plates typically have a shelf life of 6-12 months when stored properly at 2-8°C. Always check the expiration date on the packaging before use.
How do I interpret the results on Mannitol Salt Agar?
Yellow colonies indicate mannitol fermentation, typically seen with Staphylococcus aureus. Pink or red colonies suggest non-fermenting staphylococci. Always confirm with additional tests for definitive identification.
Can I use these plates for environmental sampling?
Yes, these plates work well for environmental samples where you suspect staphylococcal contamination. They’re commonly used in food safety testing and surface monitoring.
What’s the difference between this and other staphylococcal media?
Mannitol Salt Agar offers both selective and differential properties in one medium. Unlike simple salt agar, it provides visual differentiation through the mannitol fermentation indicator system.
How quickly will I receive my order from eqipped?
Delivery times vary by location, but most orders reach customers within 3-7 business days. Check our shipping policy for specific details about your area.
