High grade EC broth is supplied by Micromaster. It is available in the form of a cream to yellow homogenous free flowing powder which has a pH around 6.7 to 7.1. EC broth consists of a buffered lactose broth with casein peptones and bile salts. Lactose serves as a source of fermentable carbohydrate for the growth of coliforms and casein peptones provide a source of nutrients. The bile salts serve as inhibitory agents toward gram-positive cocci and spore formers, particularly fecal streptococci and bacilli. Tryptone provides nitrogeneous and carbonaceous compounds, long chain amino acids and other essential growth nutrients. Bile salts mixture inhibit gram-positive bacteria especially bacilli and faecal Streptococci. The pH of the medium is maintained by the presence of a strong potassium buffering system Gas production in a fermentation tube within 24 hour or less is a presumptive evidence of the presence of coliform bacteria. This medium can be used at 37C for the detection of coliform organisms or at 44.5C for the isolation of Escherichia coli from water and shellfish) or 45.5C for foods.

Quantity provided: 500 g/pack

EC broth is used for detection of coliforms during bacteriological examination of water, milk and foods. It is used in MPN methods and sometimes also used for confirmation of coliforms. The procedure employing EC Medium provides information regarding the source of the coliform group (fecal or non-fecal) when used as a confirmatory test. EC Broth should not be used for the direct isolation of coliforms since prior enrichment in a presumptive medium for optimal recovery of fecal coliforms is required.