Oxoid™ Hektoen Enteric Agar 500g

Oxoid™ Hektoen Enteric Agar (500g) is a selective and differential medium formulated for the isolation and differentiation of Salmonella and Shigella species from clinical, food, and environmental specimens. Designed to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive organisms and many non-pathogenic enteric bacilli, it supports the recovery of enteric pathogens while allowing for visual differentiation based on lactose fermentation and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) production.

Key Features:

• Form: Dehydrated powder
• Weight: 500g
• Application: Selective isolation and differentiation of Salmonella and Shigella spp.
• Composition: Contains bile salts and dyes (bromothymol blue and acid fuchsin) to inhibit Gram-positive organisms and reduce background flora; lactose, sucrose, and salicin for differentiation; ferric ammonium citrate and sodium thiosulphate for H₂S detection
• Preparation: Suspend 76.5g of the dehydrated medium in 1 litre of distilled water, mix thoroughly, and heat to dissolve completely. Do not autoclave.
• Yield: Approximately 6.5 litres of prepared medium
• Storage: Store the dehydrated medium at 10–30°C, protected from moisture and light
• Compliance: Suitable for use in clinical diagnostics and food microbiology for detecting enteric pathogens

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