B.T.B Lactose Agar- 1 Kg Packs

B.T.B. Lactose Agar, also known as Bromothymol Blue Lactose Agar, is a specialized dehydrated microbiological culture medium used for the detection and isolation of pathogenic Staphylococci in laboratory investigations. The medium typically contains proteose peptone, beef extract, lactose, bromothymol blue, and agar. Peptone and beef extract provide nutrients that support microbial growth, while lactose serves as a fermentable carbohydrate and bromothymol blue acts as a pH indicator. The conventional formulation has an alkaline final pH of approximately 8.6 ± 0.2 at 25°C, helping differentiate microorganisms according to their growth characteristics under the specified conditions. This culture medium is relevant to microbiology teaching, clinical microbiology research, and controlled investigations of bacterial characteristics. Its performance depends on correct preparation, suitable incubation conditions, and appropriate quality-control procedures. It is intended for trained laboratory personnel following established microbiological safety practices.

Product Specifications

Specification	Details
Appearance	Cream to greenish-yellow homogeneous free-flowing powder
Assay	99%
Chemical Name	B.T.B. Lactose Agar (Bromothymol Blue Lactose Agar)
Alternate Names	Bromothymol Blue Lactose Agar, BTB Lactose 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.T.B. Lactose Agar

• Specialized microbiological formulation: Designed for the detection and isolation of Staphylococci under the prescribed culture conditions.
• Nutrient-rich composition: Proteose peptone and beef extract provide nutrients that support bacterial growth.
• Lactose-based differentiation: Lactose serves as a fermentable carbohydrate for evaluating relevant microbial growth characteristics.
• Bromothymol blue indicator: The pH-sensitive dye helps distinguish characteristic microbial reactions through observable colour differences.
• Defined alkaline reaction: The conventional formulation has a final pH of 8.6 ± 0.2 at 25°C, supporting its intended microbiological application.

Laboratory Applications of B.T.B. Lactose Agar

• Staphylococcal isolation: Used in appropriate microbiological procedures for the detection and isolation of Staphylococci, including investigations of potentially pathogenic species.
• Clinical microbiology research: Supports controlled laboratory studies involving bacterial growth and differentiation, subject to validated methods and biosafety requirements.
• Microbial differentiation studies: Helps demonstrate differences in growth and indicator responses among microorganisms under the specified culture conditions.
• Educational microbiology practicals: Suitable for supervised university and college teaching activities involving culture media, bacterial growth, and differential indicators.
• Microbiology method development: May be used to evaluate culture procedures when the formulation, incubation conditions, and performance criteria are appropriate to the intended investigation.

Why Choose Lab Wale to Buy B.T.B. Lactose 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.T.B. Lactose Agar, laboratories should verify the product identity, formulation, stated grade, preparation instructions, and applicable technical and safety information. Selecting the appropriate medium helps ensure compatibility with the intended microbiological procedure. Correct storage, preparation, quality control, and adherence to institutional biosafety requirements remain essential for responsible laboratory work.

Frequently Asked Questions About B.T.B. Lactose Agar

What is B.T.B. Lactose Agar used for?

B.T.B. Lactose Agar is a microbiological culture medium used for the detection and isolation of Staphylococci under specified laboratory conditions. Its nutrient components support bacterial growth, while lactose and bromothymol blue contribute to the differentiation of characteristic microbial reactions. Results should be interpreted using the prescribed identification procedure.

What is the composition of B.T.B. Lactose Agar?

A conventional formulation contains proteose peptone at 5 g/L, beef extract at 3 g/L, lactose at 10 g/L, bromothymol blue at 0.17 g/L, and agar at 15 g/L. The exact formulation can vary by manufacturer, so the product-specific technical instructions should be followed.

What is the final pH of B.T.B. Lactose Agar?

The conventional B.T.B. Lactose Agar formulation has a final pH of approximately 8.6 ± 0.2 at 25°C. This alkaline reaction is relevant to the medium’s intended differentiation of Staphylococci. The actual prepared-medium pH should be assessed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and laboratory quality-control procedures.

How is B.T.B. Lactose Agar prepared for laboratory use?

A common formulation requires approximately 33.17 g of dehydrated medium per litre of distilled or purified water. Heat until completely dissolved and sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes, following the product-specific instructions. Use suitable aseptic techniques and prescribed quality-control procedures when preparing the medium.

How should B.T.B. Lactose Agar be stored and handled?

Store the dehydrated medium in a tightly closed container in a dry location, protected from moisture and contamination. Follow the manufacturer’s specified temperature range. Wear suitable laboratory protective equipment, avoid inhaling airborne powder, and handle inoculated cultures and used media according to institutional microbiological safety and waste-disposal procedures.

Storage Conditions for B.T.B. Lactose Agar

Store dehydrated B.T.B. Lactose 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; conventional formulations may recommend storage below 30°C or within a narrower range. Close the container promptly after use to prevent moisture absorption and deterioration of the medium.

Precautions for Handling B.T.B. Lactose 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 and sterilize the medium using appropriate laboratory equipment and the prescribed procedure. Handle inoculated cultures and clinical specimens under established microbiological biosafety practices, and sterilize or dispose of used media according to institutional requirements.