Hektoen Enteric Agar 20mL Plates, 10/Pk

Hektoen Enteric (HE) Agar 20mL Plates, 10/Pk is a selective and differential medium formulated for the isolation and differentiation of enteric pathogens, particularly Salmonella and Shigella species, from clinical and environmental specimens. The medium is designed to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive organisms and many non-pathogenic enterics, improving recovery of target pathogens.

The formulation contains bile salts to suppress Gram-positive bacteria, along with lactose, sucrose, and salicin to detect carbohydrate fermentation. Ferric ammonium citrate and sodium thiosulfate allow for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) detection, producing black-centered colonies for organisms such as Salmonella. Non-lactose fermenters like Shigella typically appear green to blue-green, while fermenters develop yellow to orange colonies. Each plate is pre-poured with 20mL of sterile agar to provide consistent depth and reliable growth conditions.

Key Features:

• Selective and differential medium for enteric pathogens
• Supports recovery of Salmonella and Shigella species
• Bile salts inhibit Gram-positive organisms and many commensal enterics
• Lactose, sucrose, and salicin enable differentiation of fermenters vs. non-fermenters
• Ferric ammonium citrate and sodium thiosulfate detect H₂S production
• 20mL pre-poured plates ensure consistency and reproducibility
• Supplied in packs of 10 for routine diagnostic workflows
• Ideal for clinical, food safety, and environmental microbiology

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