Description
Specifications Table
| Product Name | Violet Red Bile Agar (1.2%) (ISO Basis) | 57081 | SRL Chem |
|---|---|
| Pack Size | 100 Gms, 500 Gms |
| Form | Powder |
| Grade | Microbiology Grade |
| Application | Selective isolation of coliforms in water, food, and environmental samples |
Product Description
Violet Red Bile Agar (VRBA) is a specialized microbiological medium designed for the selective isolation and enumeration of coliform bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae. This ISO-compliant formulation contains bile salts and crystal violet, which inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria while allowing coliforms to thrive. The addition of lactose and neutral red dye facilitates the detection of acid-producing colonies, making it an essential tool for water quality testing, food safety analysis, and environmental monitoring.
Whether you’re a student conducting microbiology experiments or a researcher validating sample purity, this high-quality VRBA agar ensures accurate and reproducible results. The powdered form allows for easy preparation, and its standardized composition adheres to international microbiology protocols. For laboratories and educational institutions, this medium is a cost-effective solution for routine coliform testing.
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How Violet Red Bile Agar Works
This medium leverages a combination of selective and differential agents to isolate coliforms effectively:
- Bile Salts and Crystal Violet suppress Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative species, allowing coliforms to grow.
- Lactose serves as the primary carbohydrate source. Coliforms ferment lactose, producing acid.
- Neutral Red Dye acts as a pH indicator, turning pink to red in acidic conditions, highlighting coliform colonies.
After incubation, coliform colonies appear as red or pink, often surrounded by a zone of precipitated bile, making them easy to identify and count.
Applications of Violet Red Bile Agar
This versatile medium is widely used in:
- Water Quality Testing Detecting fecal contamination in drinking water, wastewater, and recreational water sources.
- Food Safety Analysis Screening dairy products, meat, and processed foods for coliform contamination.
- Environmental Monitoring Assessing microbial contamination in soil and surface water samples.
- Educational Labs Teaching microbiology students about selective media and bacterial identification.
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Preparation and Storage Guidelines
To prepare Violet Red Bile Agar, follow these steps:
- Suspend 37.5 grams of the powder in 1 liter of distilled water.
- Heat gently while stirring to dissolve completely.
- Autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes.
- Cool to 45–50°C and pour into sterile Petri dishes.
Store the prepared medium at 2–8°C in a dark place. Unopened powder should be kept in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Always check for signs of contamination or degradation before use.
Safety and Handling
While Violet Red Bile Agar is generally safe for laboratory use, follow standard microbiological practices:
- Wear gloves and lab coats when handling.
- Avoid inhalation of powder; prepare in a well-ventilated area.
- Dispose of used media as biohazard waste according to local regulations.
FAQs
What is the shelf life of Violet Red Bile Agar powder?
The unopened powder has a shelf life of 2–3 years when stored properly. Always check the expiration date on the packaging before use.
Can this medium detect E. coli specifically?
While VRBA is excellent for general coliform detection, additional tests like IMViC (Indole, Methyl Red, Voges-Proskauer, Citrate) are needed to confirm E. coli presence.
Is this product suitable for student lab experiments?
Yes, this ISO-compliant VRBA agar is ideal for educational purposes, providing consistent results for microbiology practicals.
How do I interpret the results on VRBA plates?
Coliform colonies appear red or pink, often with a bile precipitate halo. Non-coliforms may grow as colorless or pale colonies.
Where can I buy authentic Violet Red Bile Agar online in India?
You can purchase genuine SRL Chem Violet Red Bile Agar (ISO Basis) from eqipped, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
