Endo Agar Base 500g

A modified medium requiring the addition of basic fuchsin to form Endo Agar.

• Oxoid Endo Agar is an APHA recommended medium for the confirmation of coliforms.
• Also available Basic Fuchsin Indicator, Part No. BR0050A.

Endo Agar Base, Oxoid Composition

Endo Agar, Oxoid Preparation:
Suspend 36g in 1 litre of distilled water. Add 6ml (or as directed by the supplier) of a 10% w/v solution of basic fuchsin BR0050 (50:50 ethanol/distilled water). Bring to the boil to dissolve completely. Sterilise by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes. Mix well before pouring. Plates should be stored in the dark to preserve their pale pink colour.

BASIC FUCHSIN IS A POTENTIAL CARCINOGEN AND CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID INHALATION OF THE POWDERED DYE AND CONTAMINATION OF THE SKIN.

Storage conditions and Shelf life
Store the dehydrated medium at 10-30°C and use before the expiry date on the label.
Store the prepared plates at 2-8°C away from light.

Precautions
Weigh out the basic fuchsin (BR0050) in a fume cupboard and avoid inhalation of the powder or contamination of the skin.
Keep the prepared medium away from light to avoid photo-oxidation.
Endo Agar is quoted by the American Public Health Association as a `Standard Methods’ medium for use in water¹ and dairy products. Windle Taylor recommended the medium for the isolation and differentiation of coli-aerogenes bacteria from water.