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Nitrate Broth is recommended as an aid in the identification of aerobic and facultative anaerobic gram-negative microorganisms by means of the nitrate reduction test.

Microorganisms may be differentiated according to their metabolism of certain substrates. The ability to reduce nitrate to nitrite is characteristic of the family Enterobacteriaceae.¹ Nonfermenters and other miscellaneous gram-negative bacilli vary in their ability to reduce nitrates. Some members of this group are capable of denitrification, which is a reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas. The production of gas from nitrate is an important differential test for glucose-nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli. The end product of reduction depends upon the bacterial species.²

Nitrate Broth with Durham Tube is a basal medium containing potassium nitrate. The microorganism under evaluation is inoculated into the medium and after incubation, nitrate reduction may be determined. The inverted Durham tube serves to trap nitrogen gas produced through denitrification. The medium is evaluated for nitrate reduction by the addition of two reagents which detect the presence of a catabolic end product and by the addition of zinc dust which detects the absence of remaining nitrate in the medium.²

See "Quality Control Procedures."

Quality control requirements must be performed in accordance with applicable local, state and/or federal regulations or accreditation requirements and your laboratory's standard Quality Control procedures. It is recommended that the user refer to pertinent CLSI (formerly NCCLS) guidance and CLIA regulations for appropriate Quality Control practices.

For in vitro Diagnostic Use.

Tubes with tight caps should be opened carefully to avoid injury due to breakage of glass.

Observe aseptic techniques and established precautions against microbiological hazards throughout all procedures. After use, prepared tubes, specimen containers and other contaminated materials must be sterilized by autoclaving before discarding.