B.C.G. Dextrose Agar – 500 gram Packs

B.C.G. Dextrose Agar, also known as Bromocresol Green Dextrose Agar or Snyder Test Agar, is a dehydrated microbiological culture medium used to estimate Lactobacilli and assess microbial acid production associated with dental caries activity. Its formulation typically contains peptic digest of animal tissue, dextrose, sodium chloride, bromocresol green, and agar. Dextrose serves as a fermentable carbohydrate, while bromocresol green acts as a pH indicator that changes from blue-green toward yellow as acidic products lower the medium’s pH. Agar provides a solidifying matrix for controlled microbiological testing. This specialized medium is relevant to dental microbiology research, university laboratory practicals, and investigations of microbial carbohydrate fermentation. Reliable results depend on correct preparation, appropriate incubation, quality control, and suitable microbiological techniques. It is intended for trained laboratory personnel following the applicable product instructions and institutional biosafety procedures.

Product Specifications

Specification	Details
Appearance	Light yellow to greenish-yellow homogeneous free-flowing powder
Assay	99%
Chemical Name	B.C.G. Dextrose Agar (Snyder Test Agar)
Alternate Names	Bromocresol Green Dextrose Agar, Snyder Test Agar
Molecular Formula	Not applicable; formulated culture medium mixture
Empirical Formula	Not applicable; formulated culture medium mixture
CAS Number	Not applicable; formulated culture medium mixture
Molecular Weight	Not applicable; formulated culture medium mixture
Grade	LR Laboratory Reagent

Key Features of B.C.G. Dextrose Agar

• Specialized culture medium: Designed for estimating Lactobacilli and evaluating acid production associated with dental caries activity.
• Dextrose-based fermentation: Provides a fermentable carbohydrate that supports assessment of microbial acid production under controlled conditions.
• Visible pH indicator response: Bromocresol green indicates acidification through a colour change from blue-green toward yellow.
• Solid culture format: Agar forms a gel matrix suitable for preparing culture medium in tubes according to the prescribed procedure.
• Defined working pH: A common formulation has a final pH of 4.8 ± 0.2 at 25°C, supporting the intended differential test principle.

Laboratory Applications of B.C.G. Dextrose Agar

• Lactobacilli estimation: Used in Snyder test procedures to estimate Lactobacilli associated with oral microbial activity.
• Dental caries activity research: Supports investigations of acid production by oral microorganisms as an indicator associated with caries activity, rather than a standalone clinical diagnosis.
• Carbohydrate fermentation studies: Demonstrates how microbial fermentation of dextrose can produce acidic metabolites and alter the pH of a culture medium.
• Educational microbiology practicals: Supports supervised college and university teaching about culture media, microbial metabolism, and pH indicators, subject to institutional biosafety requirements.
• Dental microbiology research: May be used in controlled studies of acid-producing oral microorganisms when the medium and test procedure are appropriate for the research objective.

Why Choose Lab Wale to Buy B.C.G. Dextrose Agar

Lab Wale provides a sourcing option for laboratory chemicals, microbiological culture media, and scientific supplies used by schools, colleges, universities, research centres, and laboratory professionals. When purchasing B.C.G. Dextrose Agar, buyers should verify the product identity, formulation, stated grade, preparation instructions, and applicable technical and safety information. Selecting a medium suited to the intended microbiological procedure supports appropriate laboratory planning. Correct storage, preparation, quality control, and biosafety practices remain essential for consistent and responsible laboratory work.

Frequently Asked Questions About B.C.G. Dextrose Agar

What is B.C.G. Dextrose Agar used for?

B.C.G. Dextrose Agar, also called Snyder Test Agar, is used to estimate Lactobacilli and assess acid production associated with dental caries activity. It contains dextrose and a pH indicator that responds to microbial acid formation. Results should be interpreted according to the prescribed method and its limitations.

What is the principle of Snyder Test Agar?

The test is based on acid production during microbial fermentation of dextrose. As acidic metabolites accumulate, the medium’s pH decreases and bromocresol green changes from blue-green toward yellow. The timing and extent of the colour change provide an indication of acid production under the specified test conditions.

What is the composition and pH of B.C.G. Dextrose Agar?

A common formulation contains peptic digest of animal tissue, dextrose, sodium chloride, bromocresol green, and agar. The final pH is approximately 4.8 ± 0.2 at 25°C. Ingredient quantities and preparation requirements can vary by formulation, so follow the technical instructions supplied for the specific product.

How is B.C.G. Dextrose Agar prepared for laboratory use?

A common manufacturer’s procedure uses approximately 65 g of dehydrated medium per litre of purified water. Heat with stirring until dissolved, dispense as directed, and sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes. Avoid overheating and follow the product-specific preparation, incubation, and quality-control instructions.

How should B.C.G. Dextrose Agar be stored and handled?

Store the dehydrated medium in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Wear appropriate laboratory protective equipment and avoid inhaling airborne powder. Treat inoculated cultures and used media according to institutional microbiological safety, sterilization, and waste-disposal procedures.

Storage Conditions for B.C.G. Dextrose Agar

Store dehydrated B.C.G. Dextrose Agar in its tightly sealed, moisture-resistant container in a cool, dry area protected from direct sunlight and contamination. Follow the storage temperature specified by the manufacturer; some formulations recommend storage below 30°C. Close the container promptly after use and avoid moisture exposure, which can affect the quality and performance of the medium.

Precautions for Handling B.C.G. Dextrose Agar

Review the product’s safety information before use and wear a laboratory coat, suitable gloves, and eye protection. Avoid inhaling airborne powder and prevent contact with the eyes. Prepare the medium using appropriate laboratory equipment and follow the specified sterilization procedure. Handle inoculated media and biological specimens using established microbiological safety practices, and sterilize or dispose of used cultures according to institutional biosafety and waste-management requirements.