Coliforms and E. coli · Biochemical identification
E. coli IMViC Identification Kit – indole, MR, VP and citrate
The E. coli IMViC Identification Kit performs the classic IMViC tests – indole, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer and citrate – in a miniaturised format. It confirms E. coli from typical colonies on EMB, MacConkey or TBX agar.
- Indole, MR, VP and citrate in one strip
- Inoculum 0.5 McFarland
- Reagents included
How E. coli IMViC Identification Kit works
A suspension of a pure colony is dispensed into the wells and incubated. After incubation, the indole, MR and VP reagents are added and the reactions are read. E. coli typically gives the profile ++−−.
Typical results
| Result | Read-out |
| E. coli (typical) | Indole +, MR +, VP −, citrate − |
| Enterobacter (typical) | Indole −, MR −, VP +, citrate + |
Technical data
| Preparation | Colony from nutrient agar in supplied suspension medium to 0.5 McFarland; 700 µL to dispensing well or 175 µL per well; then indole, MR, VP A+B reagents |
| Incubation | 36 ± 1 °C, 18-24 h (up to 48 h if needed) |
| Storage | 2-8 °C |
Applications and practical notes
Suspect colonies from selective agars are confirmed by biochemical tests, as described in FDA BAM Chapter 4 and ISO 16649-2. Typical applications include:
- Confirmation of typical colonies from selective agars
- Differentiation of E. coli from other coliforms
- Food, water and clinical-environmental laboratories
- Training and method verification
Working with E. coli IMViC Identification Kit: Read the indole and MR reactions immediately and the VP reaction 10–30 minutes after adding the reagents.
Good practice with rapid tests: store the kit as stated on the label, let the components reach room temperature before use and use each item only once. Record the lot number and the result, and confirm positive results according to the reference method when this is required.
About coliform and E. coli methods: coliforms and E. coli are counted either by the multiple-tube (MPN) method, with a presumptive broth followed by confirmation broths, or by colony counts on selective agars. FDA BAM Chapter 4 describes both approaches for food and water, and ISO 16649-2 gives the colony-count method for β-glucuronidase-positive E. coli on TBX Agar. E. coli O157 and other STEC need dedicated media, serology and PCR. COLO.Science offers media, supplements, rapid tests, identification kits and QC strains for every step.
Complete sets from one supplier: COLO.Science supplies culture media, supplements, rapid tests, identification kits and QC strains as complete sets for the method you follow. Send us your sample types and standards, and we will prepare an offer with the matching products and documentation.
E. coli IMViC Identification Kit is supplied by COLO.Science in the pack sizes listed under Ordering information. For larger quantities, regular deliveries or method-specific sets that include E. coli IMViC Identification Kit, please send us a request. With every delivery of E. coli IMViC Identification Kit you receive the lot number and expiry date, and on request we send the available documentation for E. coli IMViC Identification Kit.
Where E. coli IMViC Identification Kit fits in coliform and E. coli testing
- Presumptive test – Lauryl Sulfate Tryptose Broth (MPN) or VRBL / chromogenic agar (colony count)
- Confirmation – BGLB Broth for coliforms; EC or EC-MUG Broth at 44.5 °C for E. coli
- Isolation – EMB, MacConkey, TBX or chromogenic E. coli agar
- Identification – IMViC kit; for O157 and STEC: SMAC or chromogenic O157 agar, latex and PCR
Ordering information
| Product | COLO code | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| E. coli IMViC Identification Kit | PRO7885 | 10 tests |
Product notice: preparation, storage conditions and shelf life are given on the label. Technical data on this page are for orientation; the label and the lot documentation apply. B2B prices are quoted net, excluding VAT.
Sales and technical support
COLO LabExperts
Polje ob Sotli 4, SI-3255, Slovenia
Quotations and technical support for culture media and microbiology products across our international sales territory. B2B prices are net, excluding VAT.
COLO.SCIENCE | MICROBIOLOGY SUPPORT
Need the complete set for your method?
Send the sample type, target organism and the standard you follow. COLO.Science will put together the media, supplements, QC strains and confirmation tests for the whole procedure.
