Oxoid™ Legionella GVPC Selective 90mm Pre-Poured Plates Pk10

GVPC stands for Glycine–Vancomycin–Polymyxin B–Cycloheximide, the selective agents incorporated into the medium to inhibit the growth of non-Legionella organisms such as Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacilli, and fungi. The base of the medium is Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract (BCYE) agar, which provides essential nutrients—such as L-cysteine and iron salts—required for Legionella growth. Activated charcoal in the formulation neutralizes toxic compounds that may interfere with bacterial recovery.

Typical Composition (per liter):

• Yeast extract – nutrient source
• Activated charcoal – detoxifying agent
• L-cysteine and ferric pyrophosphate – essential growth factors for Legionella
• Glycine – inhibits many Gram-negative rods
• Vancomycin – inhibits Gram-positive bacteria
• Polymyxin B – suppresses many Gram-negative bacteria
• Cycloheximide – inhibits fungi

Appearance:

• Dehydrated medium: fine, grayish powder
• Prepared medium: black, opaque agar due to activated charcoal

Application:

Used for selective isolation of Legionella spp. from water, air-conditioning systems, cooling towers, and respiratory clinical specimens. After inoculation, plates are incubated at 35–37 °C for 2–5 days in a humidified atmosphere containing 2.5–5% CO₂. Colonies of Legionella typically appear as gray-white to blue-green, glistening colonies with a ground-glass appearance.

Storage:

• Store dehydrated medium at 2–8 °C, protected from moisture and light.
• Prepared plates should be stored at 2–8 °C and used within the recommended shelf life.

View safety data sheet