B.T.B Lactose Agar – 500 gram 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 Staphylococci, including potentially pathogenic species, under specified laboratory conditions. The conventional formulation contains proteose peptone, beef extract, lactose, bromothymol blue, and agar. Peptone and beef extract provide nutrients that support bacterial growth, while lactose serves as a fermentable carbohydrate and bromothymol blue functions as a pH indicator. Its alkaline formulation helps differentiate microorganisms according to their ability to grow under the specified conditions and in the presence of the indicator. The medium is relevant to microbiology education, research, and controlled bacterial culture procedures. Reliable results depend on correct preparation, appropriate incubation, quality control, and established microbiological techniques. It is intended for trained laboratory personnel following the applicable product instructions and biosafety procedures.

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 medium: The conventional formulation is designed for the detection and isolation of Staphylococci under specified culture conditions.
• Nutrient-rich composition: Proteose peptone and beef extract provide nutrients that support microbial growth.
• Lactose as a carbohydrate source: Lactose supports investigations involving carbohydrate utilization and associated microbial growth characteristics.
• Bromothymol blue indicator: The pH-sensitive dye helps reveal changes in the medium associated with microbial activity.
• Defined alkaline reaction: The conventional formulation has a final pH of 8.6 ± 0.2 at 25°C, supporting its intended selective and differential properties.

Laboratory Applications of B.T.B. Lactose Agar

• Staphylococcal isolation: Used in appropriate microbiological procedures for the detection and isolation of Staphylococci, including potentially pathogenic species.
• Clinical microbiology research: Supports controlled investigations of bacterial growth and differentiation when the medium is appropriate for the validated procedure.
• Microbial culture studies: Helps investigate bacterial growth characteristics under alkaline conditions and in the presence of bromothymol blue.
• Educational microbiology practicals: Suitable for supervised college and university teaching activities involving culture media and bacterial growth, subject to institutional biosafety requirements.
• Microbiology method evaluation: May be used to evaluate culture procedures when the formulation, incubation conditions, and performance criteria match 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 relevant technical and safety information. Selecting the appropriate culture 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 growth, while lactose and bromothymol blue contribute to the medium’s selective and differential characteristics. Results should be interpreted alongside appropriate identification tests.

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. Formulations can vary by manufacturer, so the preparation quantities and specifications for the particular product 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 8.6 ± 0.2 at 25°C. This alkaline reaction supports the intended culture conditions. The pH of the prepared medium should be checked according to the manufacturer’s specifications and the laboratory’s quality-control procedures.

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

A conventional formulation requires 33.17 g of dehydrated medium per litre of distilled or purified water. Heat to boiling until completely dissolved, then sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes at the specified pressure. Follow the product-specific instructions for cooling, dispensing, incubation, and quality control.

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 storage temperature. 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 specify storage below 30°C, while some products require a narrower range. Close the container promptly after use to reduce moisture exposure and preserve the medium’s quality.

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 biological specimens under established microbiological biosafety practices, and sterilize or dispose of used media according to institutional requirements.