Serratia species are implicated in nosocomial infections. In several countries, Serratia marcescens is frequently associated with epidemics in intensive care units and in particular in neonatal and pediatric units. Surveillance of nosocomial infections requires effective recovery of clinical isolates from faeces, wound exudates and respiratory samples to prevent problems of cross infection and potentially fatal infections. In this context, CHROMagar™ has developed CHROMagar™ Serratia, a culture medium perfectly suited to the search for S. marcescens in faeces. In addition, S. marcescens is able to survive days to months on surfaces, distilled water and hand soap, making it an important pathogen in nosocomial infections and sporadic epidemics.

After use, all plates and any other contaminated materials must be sterilised or disposed of by appropriate internal procedures and in accordance with local legislations. Plates can be destroyed by autoclaving at 121 °C for at least 20 minutes.