Vibrio · Isolation · granulated
TCBS Agar – granulated format for Vibrio isolation
The granulated TCBS Agar is used for the selective isolation of Vibrio species from seafood and water. Granules produce less dust when weighing and dissolve evenly.
- Granulated – less dust, better flow
- Selective isolation of Vibrio
- No autoclaving
How TCBS Agar works
Thiosulfate, citrate, bile salts and a high pH inhibit most accompanying bacteria. Sucrose fermentation turns bromothymol blue yellow, so sucrose-positive V. cholerae forms yellow colonies, while sucrose-negative V. parahaemolyticus forms blue-green colonies; ferric citrate shows hydrogen sulfide.
Typical colony appearance
| Organism | Colonies |
| Vibrio parahaemolyticus | Blue-green translucent colonies |
| Vibrio cholerae | Yellow translucent colonies |
| Escherichia coli | Inhibited |
Technical data
| Preparation | 89 g/L; heat to boiling until dissolved; do not autoclave; cool to about 50 °C and pour plates |
| Final pH | 8.6 ± 0.2 |
| Incubation | 35–37 °C, 24 h |
| Storage | Dry, dark place; keep the container tightly closed |
| Shelf life | 3 years |
Applications and practical notes
Pathogenic Vibrio species occur in seafood, shellfish and coastal waters and are tested according to ISO 21872-1 and the FDA BAM Chapter 9. Typical applications include:
- Fish, shrimp, oysters and other seafood
- Ready-to-eat seafood products
- Coastal and aquaculture water
- Outbreak investigations
Working with TCBS Agar: Weigh the granules without grinding them and keep the bottle closed between uses, because granules also absorb moisture.
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 the Vibrio method: ISO 21872-1 describes the detection of potentially enteropathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae and V. vulnificus in seafood and other foods. Samples are enriched twice in Alkaline Saline Peptone Water, plated on TCBS Agar and a second selective medium, and typical colonies are purified on saline agar and confirmed biochemically or by PCR. The FDA BAM Chapter 9 follows a similar scheme. 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.
TCBS 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 TCBS Agar, please send us a request. With every delivery of TCBS Agar you receive the lot number and expiry date, and on request we send the available documentation for TCBS Agar.
Where TCBS Agar fits in Vibrio testing
- Enrichment – Alkaline Saline Peptone Water (ASPW), 37 °C and 41.5 °C
- Isolation – TCBS Agar plus a second medium: chromogenic Vibrio agar, mCPC or CC agar
- Purification – non-selective saline agar such as T1N1 Agar
- Confirmation – oxidase, biochemical identification, PCR or LAMP
Ordering information
| Product | COLO code | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| TCBS Agar, granulated | PRO7639 | 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.
