Liofilchem® UREA 40 % supplement 5 mL

UREA 40% Supplement is a liquid supplement designed for the detection of urease activity in bacteria. Composed of a 40% aqueous urea solution, it is used for enriching Urea Agar Base (codes 610107 and 620107) to facilitate the identification and differentiation of urease-positive microorganisms. This supplement is essential for microbiological applications where determining the ability of bacteria to hydrolyze urea is required, providing a clear and visual color change as an indicator.

Key Features

1. Urease Detection:
   • Detects urease activity through the enzymatic hydrolysis of urea into ammonia, resulting in an alkaline environment.
   • The pH shift causes a color change in the phenol red indicator from amber to pink, aiding in the identification of urease-positive bacteria.
2. Standardized Concentration:
   • Composed of 40 g/L urea, ensuring consistent and reliable results in microbiological testing.
3. Microbiological Use:
   • Designed for enriching Urea Agar Base for diagnostic and research purposes.
   • Suitable for detecting urease-positive pathogens like Proteus vulgaris and differentiating them from urease-negative organisms like Escherichia coli.
4. Convenient Packaging:
   • Each kit contains 10 bottles of 5 mL supplement, sufficient to prepare 100 mL of medium per bottle.
5. Validated Testing:
   • Quality-controlled for clarity and microbiological performance.
   • Tested with control strains for urease activity.

Composition

• Active Ingredient: 40% Urea solution.
• Volume per Bottle: 5 mL.
• Volume per L of Medium: 50 mL to be mixed with 950 mL of Urea Agar Base.

Method of Use

1. Preparation:
   • Aseptically take 50 mL of UREA 40% Supplement from the bottle.
   • Add it to 950 mL of Urea Agar Base that has been autoclaved and cooled to 45-50°C.
   • Mix gently to avoid foam formation.
2. Distribution:
   • Pour the prepared medium into sterile Petri dishes or other final containers.
3. Testing:
   • Inoculate the medium with the bacterial sample and incubate at 36 ± 1°C for 6-24 hours.
   • Observe the results: a pink medium indicates urease activity (positive), while no color change confirms urease negativity.

Interpretation of Results

• Positive Urease Activity:
  • Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 13315): Produces a pink medium due to ammonia release, increasing the pH.
• Negative Urease Activity:
  • Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922): No change in medium color, indicating a lack of urease activity.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage Conditions:
  • Store at 2-8°C in the original packaging.
  • Keep away from heat and avoid temperature fluctuations.
• Shelf Life:
  • Valid until the expiry date indicated on the label. Do not use beyond this date or if signs of deterioration are evident.

Quality Control

1. Appearance: Clear and colorless solution.
2. Microbiological Control:
   • Tested with control strains for urease activity.
   • Positive control: Proteus vulgaris.
   • Negative control: Escherichia coli.

Safety and Precautions

• For Professional Use Only:
  • Intended for use in a laboratory setting by trained personnel.
  • Use aseptic techniques to prevent contamination.
• Non-Hazardous:
  • Not classified as hazardous under current legislation, but users are advised to handle with standard safety precautions.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of according to local and national regulations.

Applications

• Detection of urease activity in clinical microbiology for pathogens like Proteus species.
• Research purposes to study enzymatic activity in bacteria.
• Differentiation of urease-positive and urease-negative organisms in diagnostic workflows.

Product Packaging

• 10 bottles, each containing 5 mL of supplement.
• Each bottle prepares up to 100 mL of medium when mixed with Urea Agar Base.

References

1. Christensen, W.B. (1946). J. Bact. 52: 461-466.
2. Maslen, L.G.C. (1952). Brit. Med. J. 2: 545-546.