MacConkey / PEA Agar with 5% Sheep Blood, Biplate, 10/Pk

This product is a Biplate (Split Plate) that combines two contrasting selective media in a single petri dish. This pairing allows for the simultaneous isolation and differentiation of Gram-negative bacteria (Side 1) and Gram-positive bacteria (Side 2) from a single clinical or environmental specimen.

The "Gram-Split" Strategy: Mixed cultures often contain both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. This plate separates them physically and chemically:

Side 1: MacConkey Agar (Gram-Negative Selector)

• Target: Selects for Gram-negative enteric bacilli (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella).

• Inhibition: Crystal violet and bile salts completely inhibit Gram-positive bacteria.

• Differentiation: It uses Lactose to distinguish fermenters (Pink/Red colonies) from non-fermenters (Colorless colonies).

Side 2: Phenylethyl Alcohol (PEA) Agar w/ 5% Sheep Blood (Gram-Positive Selector)

• Target: Selects for Gram-positive cocci (e.g., Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus).

• Inhibition: Phenylethyl Alcohol inhibits the DNA synthesis of Gram-negative bacteria (particularly Proteus swarming), allowing the Gram-positives to grow without competition.

• Enrichment: The addition of 5% Sheep Blood supports the growth of fastidious organisms and allows for the visualization of hemolytic reactions (Alpha, Beta, or Gamma hemolysis).

Common Applications:

• Urine Cultures: Rapidly screening for the most common urinary tract pathogens (both E. coli and Enterococcus).

• Wound Cultures: Isolating mixed flora from infected wounds (e.g., Staph aureus vs. Pseudomonas).

• Efficiency: Effectively performs a "Gram screen" on a culture plate, saving time and incubator space compared to using two separate full plates.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Screening: Captures both major bacterial groups simultaneously.

• Space Saving: Two distinct media types in one dish.

• Diagnostic Detail: Provides hemolytic patterns (PEA side) and lactose fermentation profiles (MacConkey side).

• Swarm Control: PEA inhibits Proteus spreading, preserving colony isolation.

• Format: Sterile pre-poured split agar plates (10-pack).

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