Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ Perfringens TSC Agar Base (Dehydrated)

The Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ Perfringens TSC Agar Base (Dehydrated) is a highly effective basal medium designed for the selective isolation and presumptive identification of Clostridium perfringens in food samples. This versatile medium can be used alone or supplemented with selective agents to prepare Tryptose Sulphite (TS) Agar, Tryptose Sulphite Cycloserine (TSC) Agar, or Shahidi Ferguson Perfringens (SFP) Agar.

Key Features

1. Selective and Specific:
   • Formulated to support the growth of Clostridium perfringens while inhibiting competing flora when supplemented with selective agents.
2. Sulphide Reduction Indicator:
   • Incorporates sodium metabisulphite and ferric ammonium citrate to detect sulphide reduction, producing black colonies for easy identification.
3. Nutrient-Rich Base:
   • Meat peptone, soy peptone, and yeast extracts provide essential nutrients and vitamins for the development of clostridia.
4. Flexible Applications:
   • Can be used to prepare multiple types of agar for specific identification and enumeration needs:
     • Tryptose Sulphite (TS) Agar.
     • Tryptose Sulphite Cycloserine (TSC) Agar.
     • Shahidi Ferguson Perfringens (SFP) Agar.
5. Presumptive Identification:
   • Black colonies on the medium are considered presumptive Clostridium perfringens. Some strains may show an opaque zone due to lecithinase activity.

Specifications

Applications

1. Food Microbiology:
   • Detect and enumerate Clostridium perfringens in raw and processed food samples.
2. Quality Assurance:
   • Ensure food safety compliance by identifying potential contamination with C. perfringens.
3. Research:
   • Study Clostridium perfringens behavior and physiology in laboratory settings.

Preparation Instructions

1. Suspend 45.9g of Perfringens TSC Agar Base powder in 1 liter of distilled water.
2. Heat to dissolve completely.
3. Sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes.
4. Cool to 50°C, then add the desired selective agents as needed.
5. Mix thoroughly and pour into sterile Petri dishes.

Advantages

• Highly Selective: Effectively isolates C. perfringens while minimizing interference from non-target organisms.
• Clear Differentiation: Black colony formation simplifies presumptive identification.
• Versatility: Can be used in multiple formulations for different testing protocols.
• Nutrient-Dense: Promotes robust growth of C. perfringens strains.

Confirmatory Testing

• Both lecithinase-positive and lecithinase-negative black colonies should be considered presumptive C. perfringens.
• Additional confirmatory tests, such as biochemical or molecular assays, are recommended.

General References

1. Harmon, S.M., Kauttar, D.A., and Peeler, J.T. (1971). Applied Microbiology, 22, 688-692.
2. Shahidi, S.A., and Ferguson, A.R. (1971). Applied Microbiology, 21, 500-506.
3. Hauschild, A.H.W., and Hilsheimar, R. (1974). Applied Microbiology, 27, 78-82.

Packaging

• Quantity: 500g.
• Yield: Prepares 10.9L of medium.

Why Choose Perfringens TSC Agar Base?

• Provides a reliable medium for detecting Clostridium perfringens in food safety workflows.
• Easy-to-read results with visual differentiation of presumptive colonies.
• Backed by Thermo Scientific’s commitment to quality and innovation.