Urea Agar Base
| Catalog Number |
7226 |
| Acumedia Code |
227210 |
| BD / Difco Code |
211795 |
| Oxoid Code |
CM0053 |
| Merck Code |
1.08492 |
Intended Use
Urea Agar Base is a specialized culture medium designed for the differentiation of microorganisms based on their urease production capabilities. It plays a crucial role in microbiological analyses, particularly in identifying various Gram-negative, enteric bacilli.
Product Summary and Explanation
Developed by Christensen, Urea Agar Base features a unique composition of peptone and dextrose, selected for its low buffering capacity. This formulation supports robust growth of a wide variety of Gram-negative bacteria, enabling clear observation of urease production, a vital biochemical activity.
Ewing employed Urea Agar Base as a differential medium when examining stool specimens, recognizing its efficacy in distinguishing between microbial cultures. It serves as a screening medium when utilized alongside Triple Sugar Iron Agar for the prompt selection of Salmonella and Shigella cultures intended for serologic classification.
Additionally, Urea Agar Base is useful in detecting urease production in yeast strains, marking its significance in microbiological differentiation tests. The production of urease is a key determinant in standard methods used for characterizing microorganisms, making this base an essential tool in laboratory settings dedicated to microbiological research and diagnostics.
