Chromogenic media offer a method for rapid identification of characteristic bacterial enzymes. Merck offers a wide range of solid and liquid culture media that also permits the fluorescence detection of E. coli under the trade name Fluorocult®. Fluorocult® culture media have the same components as the standard media and additionally the substrate MUG. Some of the media also contain tryptophan as the substrate for a possible indole reaction to further confirm E. coli presence. The Fluorocult® method can produce a positive result within just 24 to 48 hours. In the case of the chromogenic media, a direct identification, using the characteristic colony colouring on the culture medium itself is possible without the application of further additives. A differentiation of positive single colonies is possible, even when high microbial counts are present.

• Quicker, you save 3 to 4 days compared with the conventional method
• Rapid identification with UV-lamp (Fluorocult®) or due to the colour (Chromocult®)
• Easy interpretation, the visualisation of a whole series of different colours of organisms in one culture medium is possible