BD 211578 - Difco SIM Medium, 500g Dehydrated Culture Media for Sulfide, Indole, and Motility Tests, EA
The BD 211578 - BD Difco SIM Medium is a dehydrated culture medium used for the simultaneous detection of three key biochemical characteristics of microorganisms hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production, indole formation, and motility. Supplied in a 500g bottle, this medium is an essential tool in microbiological laboratories for differentiating Enterobacteriaceae and other Gram-negative bacilli based on their biochemical profiles. The acronym SIM stands for Sulfide, Indole, and Motility, reflecting its diagnostic versatility.
Manufactured by Becton Dickinson (BD) under the Difco brand, the SIM Medium is formulated for consistency, accuracy, and clarity of results. Its nutrient-rich composition supports optimal bacterial growth while allowing clear visualization of motility patterns, color changes, and black precipitate formation indicative of H2S production. This medium is widely used in clinical, research, and industrial microbiology for biochemical identification and quality control testing.
Key Benefits
The BD Difco SIM Medium provides multiple diagnostic indicators in one simple test, saving time and resources while maintaining accuracy. Its triple-function design enables detection of motility (via semi-solid agar), hydrogen sulfide production (via ferrous ammonium sulfate), and indole production (via tryptophan metabolism). The mediums reliable formulation produces distinct, easy-to-read reactions that simplify interpretation. Each batch is manufactured with strict quality control to ensure reproducibility and compliance with CLSI and ISO standards. Its dehydrated powder format offers long shelf life, flexible preparation volumes, and consistent reconstitution properties.
Compatibility and Applications
The BD 211578 SIM Medium is compatible with standard microbiological testing procedures and instruments used in biochemical identification workflows. Common applications include:
- Characterization and differentiation of Enterobacteriaceae and other Gram-negative bacteria.
- Clinical diagnostics for identifying pathogenic species such as Salmonella, Proteus, and Escherichia coli.
- Quality assurance and microbial monitoring in pharmaceutical, food, and environmental laboratories.
- Teaching and research laboratories for demonstrating bacterial biochemical activity.
It is typically used alongside other biochemical media such as Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Agar and Simmons Citrate Agar for complete bacterial identification workflows.
Usage Guidelines
To prepare the medium, suspend 30 grams of the dehydrated powder in 1 liter of purified water. Heat with gentle agitation until completely dissolved and distribute into test tubes. Sterilize by autoclaving at 121C for 15 minutes. After cooling, the medium will solidify into a semi-solid consistency suitable for stab inoculation.
Test Procedures:
- Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Production: A black precipitate indicates positive H2S production.
- Indole Test: After incubation, add a few drops of Kovacs reagent; a red ring at the top indicates indole positivity.
- Motility: Diffuse, hazy growth radiating from the stab line indicates motility; growth confined to the stab line indicates non-motility.
Incubate tubes at 35 2C for 1824 hours under aerobic conditions. Interpret results according to established biochemical test protocols.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
The BD Difco SIM Medium is produced under ISO 13485:2016-certified quality management systems and meets FDA and CE standards for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use. Each production batch undergoes rigorous testing for performance, pH accuracy, clarity, and sterility. The formulation is verified for consistency using control organisms such as Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella enterica ATCC 14028, and Proteus mirabilis ATCC 12453 to ensure reliable differentiation of bacterial traits. BD ensures adherence to CLSI, ISO, and USP guidelines for microbiological media performance and validation.
Comparison with Competitor Products
Compared to generic SIM media, the BD Difco SIM Medium offers superior lot-to-lot consistency, optimized clarity, and predictable biochemical reactions. Many competitor media may exhibit inconsistent semi-solid textures or variations in reagent sensitivity, leading to ambiguous results. BDs formulation provides uniform distribution of nutrients and precise ferrous ion concentration, ensuring distinct blackening for H2S-positive organisms and clear differentiation of motility patterns. Its long-established performance track record makes it the preferred choice for clinical and industrial microbiology laboratories.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
This product is used by microbiologists, clinical laboratory technologists, and researchers performing bacterial identification and antimicrobial testing. Common users include:
- Hospital and diagnostic laboratories identifying bacterial pathogens.
- Pharmaceutical and food microbiology labs performing quality control and contamination analysis.
- Academic and teaching laboratories conducting practical bacteriology experiments.
The BD SIM Medium is particularly valuable for comprehensive biochemical profiling of enteric bacteria in diagnostic workflows and research studies.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
Store the dehydrated BD SIM Medium in a tightly sealed container at 1030C in a dry environment, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted media should be stored at 28C and used within the recommended shelf life to maintain performance integrity. Always use aseptic techniques when preparing and inoculating media. Do not use media showing signs of contamination, dehydration, or discoloration. Follow biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) precautions when working with pathogenic isolates and dispose of all used materials according to institutional biohazard protocols.
Regulatory and Safety Information
The BD 211578 - BD Difco SIM Medium is classified as an in vitro diagnostic reagent and conforms to applicable FDA, CE, and ISO standards. It contains peptones and ferrous ammonium sulfate but no known hazardous ingredients at concentrations requiring special labeling. Users should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, and lab coats during preparation and use. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from BD upon request for additional information regarding handling, storage, and disposal. The product is non-toxic when handled under normal laboratory conditions.
How to Order
To order the BD 211578 - BD Difco SIM Medium (500g Dehydrated Powder), add the product to your cart and complete the checkout process. CIA Medical provides fast shipping, competitive pricing, and reliable customer service for clinical and research laboratories. For bulk purchasing, technical documentation, or product support, contact CIA Medicals customer service team at (312) 275-5850 or fill out the contact form on this page. Our specialists are available to assist with product availability, specifications, and application guidance.
