MacConkey Agar #2 (500g) – Product Description

Product Description

MacConkey Agar #2 is a modified formulation of MacConkey Agar that provides added selectivity and differential properties for isolating and differentiating Gram-negative enteric microorganisms, particularly *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and *Shigella*. This agar is commonly used in clinical microbiology, food safety, and environmental monitoring, primarily for screening pathogenic microorganisms from clinical, food, and water samples.

MacConkey Agar #2 has been developed by incorporating highly purified components to enhance the inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria and the recovery of Gram-negative organisms. This medium, like plain MacConkey Agar, also distinguishes bacteria based on lactose fermentation. Lactose fermenters show pink colonies as they produce acidic products of fermentation, whereas non-lactose fermenters form colourless colonies. The improved selectivity of the agar makes results more reproducible, especially for challenging samples.

Key Features

• **Increased Selectivity for Gram-negative Bacteria**: With purified bile salts and crystal violet for improved suppression of gram-positive organisms, so that only gram-negative bacteria, including enteric pathogens, will grow.
  • **Lactose Fermentation Interpretation**: Differentiates between lactose fermenting (e.g., *E. coli*) and lactose non-fermenting (e.g., *Salmonella*). Lactose-fermenting bacilli cause the colonies to have a pink colour, whereas the non-fermenting bacilli give rise to colourless colonies.
  • **Better Pathogen Isolation**: Perfect for isolating pathogens such as *E. coli*, *Salmonella*, and *Shigella*, with blatant colony discrimination based on lactose fermentation and colony morphology.
  • **Multiple Uses**: It can be applied in clinical microbiology, food safety, environmental testing, and other fields. This agar is particularly effective for isolating pathogens from water, food, and clinical specimens, including stool, urine, and wound swabs.

Specifications

• **Cat No**: MacConkey Agar #2 500g
  • **Amount**: 500g (Dehydrated powder)
  • **Storage**: Store in a cool, dry place, away from light and high temperatures. Prepared medium can be stored for short-term use (up to 2 weeks) at 4°C.
  • **pH**: Normally 7.0 ± 0.2
  • **Preparation**: Reconstitute the medium with deionised or distilled water to a 1 L volume. Heat to a boil to dissolve the medium completely—Sterilise by autoclaving at 15 lbs pressure (121°C) for 15 minutes.

Applications

• **Clinical Microbiology**: For primary isolation and identification of gram-negative enteric pathogens from a variety of clinical specimens such as stool, urine, blood, and wound swabs. It’s essential in diagnosing gastrointestinal infections caused by *E. coli*, *Salmonella*, *Shigella*, and others.
  • **Food Safety Testing**: Screening for enteric pathogens in food, particularly meats, dairy and ready-to-eat foods. It is also appropriate to determine the presence of coliform bacteria in water and food.
  • **Environmental Surveillance**: Applied to control and monitor ecological waters and samples for fecal contamination with enteric pathogens. MacConkey Agar #2 is used in testing water quality to ensure safe drinking water and to test water in food and food processing plants.

Why Buy MacConkey Agar #2 500g from Bright Scientific?

• **Improved Selectivity**: Superior inhibition of gram-positive bacteria, for more accurate isolation and identification of gram-negative organisms.
  • **Dependable and Reliable**: MacConkey Agar #2 prepared media is quality-tested to ensure consistent and dependable results between batches, with a clear distinction between lactose-fermenting and non-fermenting bacteria.
  • **Convenient and Dependable**: Good choice used in clinical, food and environmental microbiology testing.
  • **Fast and Safe Shipping**: Bright Scientific offers rapid shipping to help you receive your order promptly, minimising the impact on your lab’s research timelines.

Pricing & Ordering Information

• **Pricing**: Let us know, and we can put together a quote that suits your service requirements. We offer a range of price options to meet your testing needs.
  • **How to Order**: Please give us a call or send an email, and we will let you know if we have it in stock and can place an order for you. For further details, please contact Bright Scientific today for professional guidance and assistance with any of your microbiology requirements.