Yeast Extract Calcium Carbonate Glucose Agar

Intended Use

Recommended for the isolation and cultivation of Erwinia species

Composition

Formula adjusted, standardized to suit performance parameters.

Directions

Suspend 65.0 grams in 1000 ml purified/distilled water. Heat just to boiling. Sterilize by autoclaving at 15 lbs pressure (121°C) for 15 minutes. Cool to 45-50°C. Mix well and pour into sterile Petri plates.

Note: Due to presence of Calcium Carbonate, the prepared medium forms opalescent solution with white precipitate.

Principle And Interpretation

Yeast Extract Calcium Carbonate Glucose Agar is used for the isolation and cultivation of Erwinia species, all these species produce excessive acid. A clear zone surrounding each colony results from acid secretion, which liberates the carbonate as Carbon dioxide.

Type of specimen

Soil samples

Specimen Collection and Handling

For soil samples follow appropriate techniques for handling specimens as per established guidelines (3). After use, contaminated materials must be sterilized by autoclaving before discarding.

Warning and Precautions

Read the label before opening the container. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/ face protection. Follow good microbiological lab practices while handling specimens and culture. Standard precautions as per established guidelines should be followed while handling specimens. Safety guidelines may be referred in individual safety data sheets.

Limitations

• Further biochemical testing must be carried out for further identification.

Performance and Evaluation

Performance of the medium is expected when used as per the direction on the label within the expiry period when stored at recommended temmperature.

Quality Control

Appearance: Off-white coloured homogeneous free flowing powder

Gelling: Firm, comparable with 1.5% Agar gel

Colour and Clarity of prepared medium: Light yellow coloured opalescent gel with white precipitate.

Cultural Response: Cultural characteristics observed after an incubation at 25-30°C for 48-72 hours.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store below 10-30°C in a tightly closed container and the prepared medium at 20-30°C. Use before expiry date on the label. On opening, product should be properly stored dry, after tightly capping the bottle in order to prevent lump formation due to the hygroscopic nature of the product. Improper storage of the product may lead to lump formation. Store in dry ventilated area protected from extremes of temperature and sources of ignition. Seal the container tightly after use. Product performance is best if used within stated expiry period.

Disposal

User must ensure safe disposal by autoclaving and/or incineration of used or unusable preparations of this product. Follow established laboratory procedures in disposing of infectious materials and material that comes into contact with sample must be decontaminated and disposed of in accordance with current laboratory techniques (1,2).

Reference

1. Isenberg, H.D. Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook 2nd Edition.
2. Jorgensen, J.H., Pfaller, M.A., Carroll, K.C., Funke, G., Landry, M.L., Richter, S.S and Warnock., D.W. (2015) Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 11th Edition. Vol. 1.
3. Subba Rao, 1977, Soil Microorganisms and Plant Growth, Oxford and IBH Publishing Co., India.