Staphylococcus · QC reference strain
Staphylococcus epidermidis QC Strain – reference strain for media testing
Staphylococcus epidermidis CMCC(B) 26069 is a coagulase-negative reference strain. It is used as the negative control in the coagulase test and to check the differential reactions of Baird-Parker Agar and Mannitol Salt Agar.
- Lyophilised, single use
- For growth-promotion and controls
- Rehydration fluid included
How Staphylococcus epidermidis QC Strain is used
After rehydration and subculture, the strain is tested alongside S. aureus: it gives black colonies without halo on Baird-Parker Agar, red colonies on Mannitol Salt Agar and no clot with rabbit plasma.
Technical data
| Preparation | Add 1.0 mL of the supplied recovery fluid, vortex and spread 0.1 mL on a non-selective plate or into broth |
| Incubation | 36 ± 1 °C, 24–48 h |
| Storage | As stated on the label; use the rehydrated suspension within 8 hours (2–8 °C) |
Applications and practical notes
Reference strains of staphylococci are used for growth-promotion and selectivity testing of culture media according to ISO 11133 and for positive and negative controls in routine methods. Typical applications include:
- Growth-promotion testing of new media lots
- Positive and negative controls for staphylococcal methods
- Proficiency and method-verification studies
- Pharmacopoeial microbial limit tests
Working with Staphylococcus epidermidis QC Strain: Use the strain together with a positive S. aureus control so that both the positive and the negative reaction are checked in each run.
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 the Staphylococcus aureus methods: coagulase-positive staphylococci in the food chain are counted on Baird-Parker Agar according to ISO 6888-1, and typical colonies are confirmed with the coagulase test. For low numbers, ISO 6888-3 uses an MPN technique with Giolitti-Cantoni Broth, and the FDA BAM Chapter 12 describes direct plating and an MPN method with Tryptic Soy Broth containing 10 % NaCl. In pharmaceutical microbiology, the test for S. aureus in EP 2.6.13 and USP <62> uses Mannitol Salt Agar. 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.
Staphylococcus epidermidis QC Strain is supplied by COLO.Science in the pack sizes listed under Ordering information. For larger quantities, regular deliveries or method-specific sets that include Staphylococcus epidermidis QC Strain, please send us a request. With every delivery of Staphylococcus epidermidis QC Strain you receive the lot number and expiry date, and on request we send the available documentation for Staphylococcus epidermidis QC Strain.
Where Staphylococcus epidermidis QC Strain fits in Staphylococcus aureus testing
- Colony count – Baird-Parker Agar with Egg Yolk Tellurite Emulsion (ISO 6888-1); alternatives: chromogenic S. aureus agar or Vogel-Johnson Agar
- Low numbers (MPN) – Giolitti-Cantoni Broth (ISO 6888-3) or Tryptic Soy Broth with 10 % NaCl (FDA BAM), then plating on Baird-Parker Agar
- Confirmation – coagulase test with Rabbit Plasma, latex kit or DNase Agar
- Pharmaceutical products – Mannitol Salt Agar for the S. aureus test of EP 2.6.13 / USP <62>; QC strains for media testing
See the complete Staphylococcus set in the Microbiology Catalogue →
Ordering information
| Product | COLO code | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Staphylococcus epidermidis QC Strain CMCC(B) 26069 | PRO7859 | 1 vial |
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
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Quotations and technical support for culture media and microbiology products across our international sales territory. B2B prices are net, excluding VAT.
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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.
