EC Broth w/Durham Tube 10mL, 10/Pk

EC (Escherichia Coli) Broth is a selective enrichment medium used for the detection and enumeration of fecal coliforms and E. coli in water, wastewater, and food samples. Each tube contains 10mL of a buffered lactose broth formulated with bile salts, which act as a selective agent to inhibit Gram-positive bacteria (like Bacillus and Streptococci) and non-fecal coliforms.

The distinguishing feature of this product is the inclusion of an inverted Durham tube within the broth. This small glass vial captures gas produced during fermentation. When incubated at an elevated temperature (typically 44.5°C or 45.5°C) in a water bath, this medium serves as a confirmatory test for fecal coliforms. If the organism ferments lactose, it produces gas which gets trapped as a visible bubble in the Durham tube, and the broth typically becomes turbid.

This "elevated temperature" test differentiates fecal coliforms (which can tolerate and grow at 44.5°C) from other environmental coliforms that are inhibited at this heat. It is a standard component of the Most Probable Number (MPN) method used in water quality testing and FDA/BAM protocols for food safety.

• Fecal Coliform Confirmation: Standard medium for confirming E. coli at 44.5°C.

• Gas Detection: Includes an inverted Durham tube to capture fermentation gas (positive result).

• Selective Agents: Bile salts inhibit Gram-positive organisms and non-fecal flora.

• MPN Method: Essential component of multiple-tube fermentation techniques.

• Clear Readout: Positive result = Turbidity + Gas Bubble in the insert.

• Ready-to-Use: Sterile 10mL tubes in a 10-pack, pre-assembled with Durham tubes.

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