Simmons Citrate Agar | NCM0168

Simmons Citrate Agar | NCM0168

Intended Use
Simmons Citrate Agar is used for the differentiation of microorganisms on the basis of citrate utilization in a laboratory setting. Simmons Citrate Agar is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans.
Description
Koser first developed a liquid medium for differentiating coliforms from fecal coliforms. Fecal coliforms were unable to use citrate as the sole source of carbon and inorganic ammonium salt as a sole source of nitrogen. Non-fecal coliforms, such as Enterobacter aerogenes could use citrate in such a medium with resultant alkalinity. Liquid medium had the disadvantage of appearing turbid when a large inoculum was used, although no growth had taken place. This observation led Simmons to devise a solid medium that eliminated the problem with turbidity.
Simmons Citrate Agar is a modification of Koser’s medium, with the addition of bromothymol blue and 1.5% agar. Organisms able to metabolize citrate grow luxuriantly. The medium is alkalinized and changes from green to deep blue in 24 – 48 hours. Escherichia coli either do not grow at all on this medium or grow so sparsely that no change in reaction is apparent. Simmons Citrate Agar is recommended for differentiation of enteric Gram-negative bacilli from laboratory specimens, water samples, and food samples.
Typical Formulation
Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate 1.0 g/L
Dipotassium Phosphate 1.0 g/L
Sodium Chloride 5.0 g/L
Sodium Citrate 2.0 g/L
Magnesium Sulfate 0.2 g/L
Bromothymol Blue 0.08 g/L
Agar 15.0 g/L
Final pH: 6.9 ± 0.2 at 25°C
Formula may be adjusted and/or supplemented as required to meet performance specifications.
Precaution
Refer to SDS
Preparation
1. Suspend 24.2 g of the medium in one liter of purified water.
2. Heat with frequent agitation and boil for one minute to completely dissolve the medium.
3. Dispense into tubes and autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes.
4. After autoclaving, allow medium to solidify in a slanted position.
Quality Control Specifications
Dehydrated Appearance: Powder is homogeneous, free flowing, and yellow with green tinge to green
with yellow tinge.
Prepared Appearance: Prepared medium is forest green and trace to slight haze.
Expected Cultural Response: Cultural response on Simmons Citrate Agar incubated at the appropriate
atmosphere and temperature and examined for growth after 18 - 48 hours