Liofilchem® Legionella BCYE Agar Base

The Liofilchem® Legionella BCYE (Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract) Agar Base is a dehydrated culture medium designed for the detection, enumeration, and confirmation of Legionella spp. from clinical and environmental samples, in compliance with ISO 11731:2017 standards for Legionella testing in water.

When supplemented with Legionella Growth Supplement (ref. 80056), the medium becomes BCYE Agar. To enhance selectivity, further supplementation can be done using Legionella AB Supplement (ref. 81099), GVPC Supplement (ref. 81008), or MWY Supplement (ref. 81019), depending on sample type and contamination levels.

Principle

• Yeast extract: provides amino acids, nitrogen, carbon, vitamins, and minerals for growth.
• Activated charcoal: neutralizes toxic peroxides and improves gas exchange.
• Alpha-ketoglutarate: stimulates Legionella growth.
• ACES buffer and KOH: maintain optimal pH stability.
• Agar: solidifying agent ensuring strong gel structure.

Typical Formula (per L)

• Yeast Extract – 10.0 g
• Activated Charcoal – 2.0 g
• Alpha-Ketoglutarate – 1.0 g
• ACES Buffer – 10.0 g
• Potassium Hydroxide – 2.8 g
• Agar – 13.0 g (adjusted for gelling strength)
• Final pH: 6.9 ± 0.2 at 25 °C

Key Features

• ISO 11731 compliant medium for Legionella testing.
• Supports detection and confirmation of Legionella pneumophila and related spp.
• Can be used with AB, GVPC, or MWY supplements for selective isolation.
• Reliable growth and fluorescence-based colony identification.
• Long shelf life: 4 years at 10–30 °C.

Applications

• Clinical microbiology: confirmation of Legionella infections.
• Environmental monitoring: water testing (cooling towers, spas, hospital water).
• Public health and ISO-accredited labs requiring Legionella detection and enumeration.

Specifications

The Liofilchem® Legionella BCYE Agar Base is a reliable and ISO-compliant medium for Legionella isolation, detection, and confirmation. When supplemented appropriately, it provides the flexibility to adapt to sample type and contamination levels, making it an essential tool for clinical, environmental, and public health laboratories.