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3.12: Triple-Sugar Iron Agar

  • Page ID
    14699
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    Triple-sugar iron agar (TSI agar) is another example of a multi-test agar. It tests for the fermentation, with or without gas production, of glucose, lactose, and sucrose. It also tests for the production of hydrogen sulfide from amino acids. Phenol red is the pH indicator used in this test medium.

    Procedure

    1. Obtain a slant of TSIA.
    2. Using an inoculating needle, stab your assigned organism into the butt of the TSIA slant. As you remove the inoculating needle, drag it in a zigzag pattern up the surface of the slant portion of the tube.
    3. Incubate the slant for 24-48 hours.
    4. After the incubation period, record any changes in the tube.

    Interpretation

    Review your results from Carbohydrate Fermentation and note the following:

    • Slant color/butt color: Slant color indicates the fermentation of lactose and/or sucrose.
    • Butt color indicates the fermentation of glucose.
    • Production of gas: Agar shows bubbles or may split.
    • Production of H2S: H2S formation is indicated by a blackening of the medium.

    1538180313(1).png

    Left: A/A, H2S +, Gas +
    Right: K/A, H2S +, Gas +


    This page titled 3.12: Triple-Sugar Iron Agar is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Molly Smith and Sara Selby (GALILEO Open Learning Materials) .

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