Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) with 5% Sheep Blood / EMB (Levine), Biplate, 10/Pk

This product is a Biplate (Split Plate) that combines two distinct media formulations in a single petri dish, creating a powerful primary screening tool. It pairs a general-purpose enriched medium (Blood Agar) with a selective differential medium (EMB) to allow for the simultaneous isolation of fastidious organisms and the specific identification of Gram-negative enteric bacilli.

Side 1: Tryptic Soy Agar with 5% Sheep Blood (BAP)

• The "Universal" Grower: This is an enriched, non-selective medium that supports the growth of virtually all clinically significant bacteria, including fastidious organisms (like Streptococcus) that won't grow on basic nutrient agar.

• Hemolysis Indicator: The addition of 5% Sheep Blood allows for the determination of hemolytic patterns, a critical diagnostic criterion:

  • Beta: Complete clearing (e.g., Strep pyogenes, Staph aureus).

  • Alpha: Greenish discoloration (e.g., Strep pneumoniae).

  • Gamma: No change (e.g., Enterococcus faecalis).

Side 2: Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (Levine Formulation)

• The "Gram-Negative" Selector: This medium contains Eosin Y and Methylene Blue dyes. These dyes inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria (which are caught on the Blood Agar side) and select specifically for Gram-negative rods.

• Differentiation (Lactose): It distinguishes bacteria based on their ability to ferment lactose:

  • E. coli: Rapid fermentation produces a distinctive Green Metallic Sheen (a hallmark diagnostic sign).

  • Other Coliforms: Moderate fermenters (like Klebsiella or Enterobacter) form pink to dark purple, often mucoid colonies.

  • Non-Fermenters: Pathogens like Salmonella, Shigella, and Proteus appear colorless or take on the amber color of the medium.

Common Applications:

• Urine Cultures: The standard "Urine Biplate" configuration. It captures the Gram-positive pathogens (Enterococcus) on Side 1 and differentiates the most common cause of UTI (E. coli) on Side 2.

• Wound Infections: Ideal for mixed infections containing both Staph/Strep and enteric rods.

• Efficiency: Delivers a complete "Gram Screen" and preliminary ID on a single plate.

Key Features:

• Dual Function: Enriched growth (Side 1) and Selective ID (Side 2).

• Diagnostic Markers: Visualizes Hemolysis (BAP) and Metallic Sheen (EMB).

• Space Saving: Reduces incubator footprint by 50% compared to using two full plates.

• Levine Formulation: Optimized for the distinct visualization of E. coli.

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

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