Yeasts and moulds · Pharmacopoeial agar · granulated
Sabouraud Dextrose Agar – pharmacopoeial formulation, granulated
This granulated Sabouraud Dextrose Agar is prepared to the pharmacopoeial formulation for the total yeast and mould count (EP 2.6.12, USP <61>) and the test for Candida albicans (EP 2.6.13, USP <62>). The granules dissolve evenly and produce less dust.
- Pharmacopoeial formulation (EP, USP)
- Granulated – less dust, better flow
- TYMC and Candida albicans test
How Sabouraud Dextrose Agar works
The high dextrose content and the acid pH favour yeasts and moulds. Plates for the TYMC are incubated at 20–25 °C for 5 to 7 days, and the test for C. albicans is read after 24 to 48 hours at 30–35 °C.
Typical colony appearance
| Organism | Colonies |
| Candida albicans | Creamy white, smooth colonies |
| Aspergillus brasiliensis | White mycelium with black spores |
Technical data
| Preparation | 65 g/L; heat to boiling until dissolved, autoclave 121 °C 15 min |
| Final pH | 5.6 ± 0.2 |
| Incubation | Yeasts 30–35 °C, 48 h or 20–25 °C, 48–72 h; moulds 20–25 °C, 3–5 days |
| Storage | Dry, dark place; keep the container tightly closed |
| Shelf life | 3 years unopened |
Applications and practical notes
In pharmaceutical microbiology, Sabouraud media are used for the total yeast and mould count (TYMC) and for the test for Candida albicans in non-sterile products according to EP 2.6.12 / 2.6.13 and USP <61> / <62>. Typical applications include:
- Total yeast and mould count (TYMC) of non-sterile products
- Test for Candida albicans
- Cosmetics and personal-care products
- Growth-promotion testing with reference strains
Working with Sabouraud Dextrose Agar: Test each new lot for growth promotion with C. albicans and A. brasiliensis, as required by the pharmacopoeia.
Good practice with dehydrated media: keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place, weigh the powder quickly to avoid moisture uptake, and use fresh distilled or deionised water. Check the pH of each new batch after preparation and before use, and label prepared media with the date. Performance of each lot can be verified with reference strains according to ISO 11133, the standard for the preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media.
About yeast and mould methods: in the food chain, yeasts and moulds are counted by spread plating on DRBC Agar for products with a water activity above 0.95 according to ISO 21527-1, and on DG18 Agar for drier products according to ISO 21527-2. The FDA BAM Chapter 18 describes similar plate count methods. In pharmaceutical microbiology, the total yeast and mould count (TYMC) and the test for Candida albicans use Sabouraud media according to EP 2.6.12 / 2.6.13 and USP <61> / <62>. COLO.Science offers counting media, identification media, supplements and reference 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.
Sabouraud Dextrose Agar is supplied by COLO.Science in the pack sizes listed under Ordering information. For larger quantities, regular deliveries or method-specific sets that include Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, please send us a request. With every delivery of Sabouraud Dextrose Agar you receive the lot number and expiry date, and on request we send the available documentation for Sabouraud Dextrose Agar.
Where Sabouraud Dextrose Agar fits in yeast and mould testing
- Food and feed counts – DRBC Agar for aw > 0.95 (ISO 21527-1) and DG18 Agar for aw ≤ 0.95 (ISO 21527-2); alternatives: Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol, PDA with chloramphenicol, YGC for dairy products
- Pharmaceutical products – Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Broth for TYMC and the Candida albicans test (EP 2.6.12 / 2.6.13, USP <61> / <62>)
- Cultivation and identification – PDA, Malt Extract and Czapek-Dox Agar for moulds; Corn Meal, chromogenic Candida and BIGGY Agar, Yeast Nitrogen Base for yeasts
- Fermentation and QC – WL Nutrient, Wort Agar and YPD for brewing and culture yeasts; C. albicans and A. brasiliensis reference strains for media testing
See the complete yeast and mould set in the Microbiology Catalogue →
Ordering information
| Product | COLO code | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (Pharmacopoeia), granulated | PRO7601 | 250 g |
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.
