BD 226540 - Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Agar 500g Differential Medium for Enteric Bacteria Identification, EA
The BD 226540 Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Agar is a differential microbiological medium formulated for the isolation and identification of enteric Gram-negative bacilli based on carbohydrate fermentation and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production. Manufactured by BD (Becton Dickinson), this high-quality 500g dehydrated medium supports the biochemical differentiation of members of the Enterobacteriaceae family and other glucose-fermenting bacteria. The formulation contains three sugarsglucose, lactose, and sucrosealong with peptones, ferrous sulfate, and phenol red indicator, enabling the detection of acid production, gas formation, and H2S activity in a single tube test.
| Manufacturer | 226540 |
| Application | Culture Media |
| Container Type | Bottle |
| Format | Dehydrated |
Key Benefits
The BD Triple Sugar Iron Agar provides fast, clear, and reliable differentiation of enteric organisms through distinct color and gas production changes. The mediums dual-layer (slant and butt) configuration enables the simultaneous observation of aerobic and anaerobic reactions. Its balanced nutrient composition ensures robust bacterial growth, while the phenol red pH indicator provides vivid color contrast for accurate interpretation. The inclusion of ferrous sulfate allows detection of H2S-producing bacteria such as Salmonella and Proteus species. Each batch is produced under strict quality control for reproducibility and compliance with recognized microbiological standards.
Compatibility and Applications
The BD 226540 TSI Agar is compatible with standard bacteriological tube culture methods and is commonly used in clinical, food, pharmaceutical, and environmental laboratories. It is primarily used for the differentiation of enteric pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Klebsiella, and Proteus. The medium provides essential biochemical data for confirming bacterial identification when used in conjunction with other tests like Urea Agar, SIM medium, and Citrate Agar. It is an indispensable tool in clinical microbiology for screening stool, food, and water samples for pathogenic enteric bacteria.
Usage Guidelines
To prepare the medium, suspend 65g of BD Triple Sugar Iron Agar in 1 liter of purified water. Heat gently with frequent stirring until the medium is completely dissolved. Dispense into test tubes and sterilize by autoclaving at 121C for 15 minutes. Immediately after sterilization, cool the tubes in a slanted position to create a slant with a deep butt. Once solidified, inoculate the surface (slant) and butt of the agar with a pure bacterial culture using a sterile inoculating needle. Incubate at 3537C for 1824 hours and observe the color and gas changes for interpretation. Store the dehydrated medium in a tightly closed container at room temperature in a dry, cool place.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
The BD 226540 TSI Agar complies with ISO 11133 and ISO 13485 standards for microbiological culture media. It is manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and meets FDA and CE requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use. Each lot is tested with control organisms such as Salmonella enterica ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Shigella flexneri ATCC 12022 to confirm performance and differential capability. BDs stringent quality assurance ensures consistent composition, sterility, and diagnostic accuracy across all production batches.
Comparison with Competitor Products
Compared to other TSI media, BDs formulation provides superior clarity, reliable differentiation, and consistent results. Competing brands may show uneven color development or variability in sugar concentrations, leading to ambiguous interpretations. BDs precisely balanced formula maintains uniform glucose, lactose, and sucrose ratios for accurate detection of carbohydrate fermentation patterns. Its optimized pH and nutrient stability support predictable biochemical responses, making it a preferred choice among diagnostic laboratories for enteric differentiation.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
This product is designed for use by microbiologists, clinical laboratory scientists, and quality assurance personnel in diagnostic, food safety, and research laboratories. It is particularly useful in hospitals and public health facilities performing stool culture analysis and pathogen screening. In industrial and environmental testing, BD TSI Agar is used to monitor contamination in food processing and water systems, ensuring microbiological quality control. The medium also serves as an educational tool in academic microbiology for teaching biochemical differentiation of bacteria.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
Always use aseptic technique during media preparation and inoculation. Avoid overheating or prolonged autoclaving, as this may degrade sugars and alter medium performance. Inoculate with fresh, pure bacterial cultures for accurate results. Store the prepared tubes in a cool, dark environment and prevent desiccation by sealing caps tightly. Periodically verify the performance of the medium using reference strains to ensure reliability. Dispose of used cultures and materials in accordance with biosafety and environmental regulations.
Regulatory and Safety Information
The BD 226540 Triple Sugar Iron Agar is intended for professional laboratory use only. It should be handled by trained personnel under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) practices when working with enteric pathogens. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coats, and protective eyewear. Decontaminate work surfaces and dispose of cultures and media via autoclaving before disposal. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed information on handling, storage, and hazard identification. BD ensures all products meet international laboratory safety and performance standards.
How to Order
To purchase the BD 226540 Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Agar 500g, add the product to your cart and proceed through the secure checkout process on the CIA Medical website. For institutional or bulk orders, contact CIA Medical customer service at (312) 275-5850 or use the online inquiry form. CIA Medical provides competitive pricing, rapid delivery, and expert support for all BD culture media and diagnostic microbiology products.
