Triple Sugar Iron Agar (TSIA) - 7162
Intended Use
Triple Sugar Iron Agar (TSIA) is a specialized medium designed for the differentiation of microorganisms based on their ability to ferment dextrose, lactose, and sucrose, as well as their production of hydrogen sulfide. This versatile agar is crucial for microbiologists seeking to isolate and identify Gram-negative bacilli from various sources.
Product Summary and Explanation
Originally described by Russell in 1911, the foundation of Triple Sugar Iron Agar lies in the use of multiple sugars to distinguish Gram-negative organisms originating from the intestines. The introduction of lead or iron salts allows for the detection of hydrogen sulfide, enhancing the medium's utility in microbiological diagnostics. This medium evolved through the efforts of Kligler and others, resulting in Kligler Iron Agar, which incorporated phenol red as an indicator alongside iron salts for hydrogen sulfide detection. The formulation we offer closely mirrors the original triple sugar ferrous sulfate medium proposed by Sulkin and Willett in 1940, making it an essential tool in the identification of enteric organisms.
Key Features:
- Composition: Contains dextrose, lactose, sucrose, phenol red, iron salts, and agar to facilitate fermentation and hydrogen sulfide production detection.
- Applications: Ideal for differentiating enteric Gram-negative bacilli in clinical specimens, dairy products, and food samples.
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Versatility: Serves as a vital resource in clinical microbiology, food safety testing, and educational laboratories.
Utilize Triple Sugar Iron Agar for reliable and efficient differentiation of important microbial groups. With its rich history and proven effectiveness, TSIA remains a cornerstone in the toolkit of microbiologists worldwide.
