BD 285340 - Hektoen Enteric Agar Selective Differential Medium for Salmonella and Shigella Isolation

BD 285340 - Hektoen Enteric Agar Selective Differential Medium for Salmonella and Shigella Isolation

The BD 285340 Hektoen Enteric Agar is a highly selective and differential microbiological medium designed for the isolation and differentiation of enteric pathogens, particularly Salmonella and Shigella species. This medium incorporates bile salts and dyes to inhibit Gram-positive organisms, while allowing selective growth of Gram-negative enteric bacteria.

Its differential properties are based on carbohydrate fermentation and hydrogen sulfide production, producing distinct colony colors that aid in rapid identification. Salmonella typically forms blue-green colonies with black centers, while Shigella produces green colonies without black centers, making this medium essential for clinical and public health laboratories.

Key Benefits

Selective formulation suppresses Gram-positive bacteria and enhances recovery of enteric pathogens.

Differential indicators allow clear identification of Salmonella and Shigella species.

Supports detection of hydrogen sulfide production for additional differentiation.

Consistent formulation ensures reliable and reproducible results.

Compatibility and Applications

BD Hektoen Enteric Agar is compatible with standard microbiology laboratory equipment, including Petri dishes and incubators.

Common applications include clinical diagnostics, stool sample analysis, food safety testing, and environmental monitoring. It is widely used in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, public health institutions, and research facilities.

Usage Guidelines

Reconstitute the dehydrated medium using distilled or deionized water according to manufacturer instructions. Heat to dissolve completely and sterilize as recommended.

Pour into sterile Petri dishes and allow to solidify. Inoculate samples using aseptic techniques and incubate under appropriate conditions.

Observe colony morphology and color changes to differentiate organisms based on fermentation and hydrogen sulfide production.

Certifications and Safety Standards

The BD 285340 Hektoen Enteric Agar is manufactured under ISO-certified quality systems, ensuring consistent performance and reliability.

Each batch undergoes rigorous quality control testing to meet microbiological standards, supporting its use in professional laboratory environments.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared to general enteric media, Hektoen Enteric Agar provides enhanced selectivity and clearer differentiation for Salmonella and Shigella.

BDs stringent manufacturing processes ensure consistent dye and indicator performance, whereas lower-quality alternatives may produce less distinct results.

The trusted BD brand ensures dependable results, making this medium a preferred choice for enteric pathogen isolation.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This product is intended for microbiologists, laboratory technicians, and clinical diagnosticians involved in pathogen detection and identification.

It is commonly used in hospital laboratories, public health institutions, and food testing facilities where accurate detection of enteric pathogens is required.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

Store the dehydrated medium in a cool, dry environment to prevent moisture absorption and maintain stability.

Prepare only the required quantity to ensure freshness and reduce waste.

Use aseptic techniques during preparation and inoculation to prevent contamination.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The BD Hektoen Enteric Agar is intended for laboratory use and complies with applicable standards for microbiological media.

Users should follow all relevant biosafety procedures when handling microbial cultures and dispose of materials in accordance with local regulations.

How to Order

To order the BD 285340 Hektoen Enteric Agar, add the product to your cart and proceed through CIA Medicals secure checkout process.

For bulk orders, institutional pricing, or additional assistance, contact CIA Medical customer service at (312) 275-5850. Their team is available to support your procurement needs.