Xylose Agar tests xylose fermentation - useful for differentiating Enterobacteriaceae. Contains xylose and phenol red indicator. Yellow = xylose fermentation (E. coli positive within 4h, Shigella negative or slow). Used for rapid E. coli presumptive identification from stool cultures. Most E. coli ferment xylose rapidly while Shigella does not or very slowly (24-48h). Can help differentiate these pathogens before full biochemical testing. Part of some clinical lab rapid ID protocols. For selective isolation and enumeration of Salmonella typhi and other Salmonella species from clinical and non-clinical samples.
Nitrate Broth tests ability to reduce nitrate (NO3) to nitrite (NO2) or nitrogen gas (N2). Contains: peptone, beef extract, potassium nitrate. After 24-48h incubation: Add sulfanilic acid + alpha-naphthylamine (Griess reagent). Red color = nitrite present (nitrate reduced). No color = either (a) no reduction, or (b) complete reduction to N2. Add zinc dust: Red color develops = no nitrate reduction (zinc reduces nitrate). No color = complete reduction to N2. Important for: Enterobacteriaceae ID, Mycobacterium ID, Pseudomonas testing.
Indole Nitrite Medium tests two biochemical reactions: (1) Indole production from tryptophan, (2) Nitrate reduction to nitrite. Part of bacterial identification. After incubation: For indole - add Kovac's reagent, red ring = positive (E. coli positive, Klebsiella negative). For nitrite - add sulfanilic acid and alpha-naphthylamine, red color = nitrate reduced to nitrite. Combined test saves tubes and time. Used for: Enterobacteriaceae identification, differentiating E. coli from Enterobacter. The 'I' in IMViC tests.
MR-VP Broth tests for two reactions: (1) Methyl Red (MR) test - detects mixed acid fermentation, (2) Voges-Proskauer (VP) test - detects acetoin production. Part of IMViC tests for Enterobacteriaceae. After incubation at 35°C for 48h: MR test - add methyl red indicator, red = positive (E. coli). VP test - add alpha-naphthol and KOH, pink/red = positive (Enterobacter, Klebsiella). E. coli: MR+ VP-. Enterobacter: MR- VP+. Critical for differentiating coliforms. The MR and VP in IMViC (Indole, Methyl Red, Voges-Proskauer, Citrate).
Lysine Iron Agar (LIA) tests for: (1) Lysine decarboxylase, (2) Lysine deaminase, (3) H2S production. Used with TSI for Enterobacteriaceae identification. Inoculate by stabbing butt and streaking slant. Results: Purple butt = lysine decarboxylase (Salmonella, most E. coli). Red slant = lysine deaminase (Proteus, Providencia). Black = H2S production (Salmonella, Citrobacter). Yellow = glucose fermentation only (Klebsiella). Critical for differentiating Salmonella (purple/purple or purple/red with black) from other enterics. Used in conjunction with TSI in identification schemes.
Urea Agar (Christensen) tests urease enzyme production. Urease hydrolyzes urea to ammonia, raising pH and turning phenol red indicator pink/magenta. Used for: (1) Identifying Proteus species (rapid urease, pink in 4-6 hours), (2) Differentiating Klebsiella (positive) from E. coli (negative), (3) Identifying Cryptococcus (yeast), (4) H. pylori identification (rapid urease test in GI diagnosis). Inoculate slant surface heavily. Proteus: pink in hours. Klebsiella: 1-2 days. E. coli/Shigella: remain yellow/tan (negative). Critical for enteric bacteria differentiation.
Simmons Citrate Agar tests ability to utilize citrate as sole carbon source. Part of IMViC tests for Enterobacteriaceae identification. Contains: (1) Citrate (sole carbon source), (2) Bromothymol blue (pH indicator), (3) Minimal nutrients. Inoculate slant surface only (light inoculum), incubate 24-48 hours. Citrate-positive: growth + blue color (pH increase from ammonia). Citrate-negative: no growth, medium remains green. E. coli: negative, Enterobacter/Klebsiella: positive, Salmonella: most positive. The 'C' in IMViC tests (Indole, Methyl Red, Voges-Proskauer, Citrate).
Motility Test Medium (semi-solid agar 0.4%) detects bacterial motility. Procedure: (1) Inoculate by single stab to medium center, (2) Incubate 24-48 hours at optimal temperature, (3) Observe growth pattern. Motile organisms: diffuse, turbid growth spreading from stab line. Non-motile organisms: growth only along stab line. Can add TTC (triphenyltetrazolium chloride) for better visualization - motile organisms produce red diffuse growth. Used for differentiating: E. coli (motile) from Shigella (non-motile), Salmonella (motile) from Klebsiella (non-motile). Part of IMViC tests.
Oxidation-Fermentation (OF) Medium determines how organisms metabolize glucose: oxidatively (with O2) or fermentatively (without O2). Procedure: inoculate duplicate tubes by stabbing, overlay one with mineral oil (creates anaerobic), incubate both. Results: Fermentation - both tubes yellow (acid), Oxidation - open tube yellow, sealed tube green/blue (no growth), Oxidation only - open tube yellow, sealed tube no change. Non-saccharolytic - both tubes no change. Used for identifying Pseudomonas (oxidizer), Enterobacteriaceae (fermenter), Acinetobacter. Hugh-Leifson's OF test.
Peptone Water is simple basal medium used for: (1) Dilution blank for microbiological testing, (2) Rinsing containers, (3) Indole test, (4) General cultivation of non-fastidious organisms, (5) Base for adding supplements. Contains only peptone (15 g/L) and sodium chloride (5 g/L). Provides basic nutrients without selective agents. For indole test: inoculate, incubate 24h, add Kovac's reagent - red ring = indole positive (E. coli). Widely used as multipurpose medium and diluent in food and water microbiology.
Shelf life and storage conditions vary by product category, but HiMedia provides clear specifications on every label and Technical Data Sheet (TDS):
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Each product carries a clearly printed expiry date and batch number for traceability.
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Recommended storage conditions (e.g., 2–8°C, 15–30°C, –20°C, or protected from light/moisture) are mentioned on the product label and TDS.
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Dehydrated culture media and powders typically have a longer shelf life when stored in airtight containers away from humidity.
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Ready-to-use liquids, supplements, antibiotics, and cell-culture reagents may require refrigerated or frozen storage.
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Temperature-sensitive or light-sensitive products include specific handling instructions to maintain stability.
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For exact shelf life and storage details, refer to the product label, TDS, or contact techhelp@himedialabs.com.
Yes. HiMedia offers products designed for both research-level use and large-scale industrial applications, covering a wide range of bioscience and bioprocess needs:
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Research-grade products for academic labs, diagnostics, molecular biology, microbiology, and cell culture.
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Industrial-scale media and raw materials for fermentation, biopharmaceuticals, enzyme production, probiotics, vaccines, and food biotechnology.
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Bulk pack sizes, GMP-grade options, and customized formulations to support pilot-scale and commercial manufacturing.
Yes. Many of HiMedia's products are designed to meet or align with international standards such as USP, EP, ISO, CLS I, and FDA guidelines. Each product's compliance details are clearly mentioned in its Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) to help customers verify suitability for regulated applications.
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Refer to HiMedia's organism-specific media charts and application-selection guides.
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Check the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) for detailed specifications.
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Use product filters on the HiMedia website to shortlist media by organism type, application, or regulatory grade.
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For complex needs like fermentation, HiCynth® chemically defined media, diagnostics, or cell culture, contact the Technical Support Team for expert recommendations.
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ISO 9001:2015 — Quality Management System (valid until Feb 2028)
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ISO 13485:2016 — QMS for medical devices (valid until Feb 2028)
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WHO-GMP — Certificate for manufacture of sterile media
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