BD 221410 - Bile Esculin Agar Selective Differential Medium for Group D Streptococci and Enterococci Identification
The BD 221410 Bile Esculin Agar is a high-quality selective and differential culture medium formulated to identify organisms capable of hydrolyzing esculin in the presence of bile. Primarily used for distinguishing Group D Streptococci and Enterococci from other Gram-positive cocci, this medium enables clear detection based on a characteristic blackening reaction. BDs precise formulation ensures reliable esculin hydrolysis detection, dependable bile tolerance differentiation, and consistent plate performance in clinical, food safety, and environmental microbiology applications.
Key Benefits
The balanced bile salts and esculin composition allow only bile-tolerant organisms to grow while simultaneously producing a distinct black precipitate when esculin is hydrolyzed. This dual-action capability provides a rapid, accurate differentiation method. BDs consistent manufacturing ensures uniform agar depth, stable color reactions, and excellent organism recovery. The ready-to-use format eliminates in-house preparation errors and enhances laboratory efficiency.
Compatibility and Applications
BD Bile Esculin Agar is compatible with routine streaking techniques and standard aerobic incubation conditions. It is widely used for:
- Differentiation of Enterococcus species
- Identification of Group D Streptococci
- Food and water quality testing for fecal contamination indicators
- Clinical screening of stool, urine, and wound isolates
- Educational laboratories demonstrating selective/differential media principles
Typical reactions include:
- Enterococci / Group D Streptococci: growth with blackening of the medium
- Non-group D streptococci: little or no growth; no blackening
Usage Guidelines
Inoculate the surface of the agar using aseptic technique. Incubate at 3537C for 1824 hours. Observe for black coloration in the medium surrounding the colonies, indicating esculin hydrolysis. Confirmatory biochemical tests may be performed depending on laboratory protocol. Store plates refrigerated at 28C and protect from excessive light exposure to maintain reagent stability.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
BD Bile Esculin Agar is produced in ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified facilities and meets FDA and CE requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use. Each batch undergoes rigorous QC testing for sterility, pH accuracy, selectivity, and expected reaction performance with control organisms.
Comparison with Competitor Products
Compared with generic bile esculin media, BD plates offer superior bile selectivity, more reliable esculin hydrolysis reactions, and clearer black precipitate formation. Competitor formulations may produce weaker or inconsistent color changes, making interpretation difficult. BDs consistent nutrient and inhibitor balance enhances diagnostic precision and reproducibility.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
This medium is routinely used by:
- Clinical microbiology laboratories identifying Enterococci
- Public health and water testing facilities
- Food microbiology labs monitoring hygiene and contamination
- Academic institutions teaching differential media techniques
- Hospital infection control programs requiring enteric screening
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
Allow plates to equilibrate to room temperature before inoculation. Avoid using plates that show drying, cracking, or contamination. Keep plates sealed until immediately before use to prevent dehydration. Avoid prolonged incubation, which may cause over-interpretation of weak reactions. Dispose of used plates following institutional biohazard protocols.
Regulatory and Safety Information
For in vitro diagnostic use only. Handle all specimens and cultures using biosafety level 2 precautions. Wear appropriate PPE and dispose of contaminated materials in accordance with laboratory safety guidelines.
How to Order
To order BD 221410 Bile Esculin Agar, add the product to your cart and complete checkout through CIA Medicals secure ordering system. For bulk orders, laboratory contracts, or product assistance, contact CIA Medical customer service at (312) 275-5850 or submit an inquiry using the form on this page.
