Brain Heart Infusion Broth | DM106D

Brain Heart Infusion Broth | DM106D
A versatile liquid medium for the culture of fastidious organisms.

Brain heart infusion broth is a versatile liquid medium for the culture of streptococci, meningococci, Haemophilus spp. and other fastidious organisms. The high nutrient content of the medium has made it a popular choice for blood culture work, and its superiority over other media for this purpose has been demonstrated.1 Enhanced growth of both aerobic and anaerobic organisms may be achieved by the addition of 0.1% agar, which produces an oxygen gradient in the medium.2 Falk et al. (1939) used this to advantage in testing the sterility of biological fluids.3 Brain heart infusion broth with added supplements has also been used as a medium for the susceptibility testing of anaerobic organisms by the broth dilution method. Certain-lactam antibiotics showed no detectable deterioration in this medium when stored at -20°C, over a 45 day test period.4 It should be noted however, that there are sulphonamide antagonists present in Brain Heart Infusion Broth so its use in
sulphonamide and trimethoprim susceptibility testing is not recommended.

2. Technical Formula*

3. Directions
1. Suspend 34.5g of powder in 1 litre or the contents of the sachet in the stated volume of distilled or deionised water.
2. Mix well and distribute into final containers.
3. Autoclave at 121°C (15p.s.i.) for 15 minutes.

4. In Use

If the medium is not used on the day of sterilisation it should be boiled to remove oxygen, and cooled rapidly before use.