TCBS Agar is used for the selective isolation of cholera vibrios and Vibrio parahaemolyticus from a variety of clinical and nonclinical specimens.

• Oxgall inhibits the growth of Gram-positive bacteria
• Sodium thiosulfate serves as a sulfur source
• Sodium thiosulfate detects hydrogen sulfide production
• Sucrose is included as a source of carbohydrates
• Alkaline pH enhances the recovery of V. cholerae

Thymol blue and bromthymol blue are included as indicators of pH changes.