2216 m-TEC Agar, Condalab

Originally developed by Dufour et al., m-TEC Agar (membrane Thermotolerant Escherichia coli Agar) is recommended by various environmental monitoring agencies for testing fresh and marine waters. The medium contains Proteose Peptone and Yeast Extract, which provide the nitrogen, vitamins, and minerals necessary for bacterial growth. Lactose is the fermentable carbohydrate, and the inclusion of Sodium Chloride maintains osmotic balance. Selectivity is achieved through the use of Sodium Cholate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria. The medium is used in a two-step incubation process (35 °C followed by 44.5 °C). After incubation, the membrane is transferred to a pad saturated with Urea Reagent; E. coli colonies, which are urease-negative, remain yellow or yellow-brown, while other coliforms turn purple.

Advantages

• High Selectivity: Specifically designed to inhibit Gram-positive flora and non-target Gram-negative bacteria through the combination of bile salts and detergents.
• Thermotolerant Focus: Optimized for incubation at 44.5 °C, allowing for the specific recovery of fecal coliforms and E. coli.
• Clear Differentiation: The use of a post-incubation urea test provides a definitive colorimetric differentiation for E. coli.
• Standardized for Water Testing: Widely adopted in environmental microbiology for monitoring the safety of recreational waters and wastewater.
• Quantitative Results: Ideal for the membrane filtration method, allowing for the direct counting of Colony Forming Units (CFU) per sample volume.

Technical specifications

Available packaging options