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Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose Agar (TCBS) is used for the selective isolation of cholera vibrios and Vibrio parahaemolyticus from a variety of clinical and nonclinical specimens.

Vibrio species are most widely recognized for their role in human intestinal infections, and cholera and V. parahaemolyticus diarrhea are important worldwide. The isolation and cultivation of Vibrio species has been enhanced by the development of media which are highly selective for vibrios.

TCBS Agar is the primary plating medium universally used for the selective isolation of vibrios causing cholera, diarrhea and food poisoning. It was developed by Kobayashi et al.¹, who modified the selective medium of Nakanishi.² The combination of alkaline peptone water and TCBS Agar is used in many procedures for the isolation of V. cholerae and other Vibrio species from feces.^3-5

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.

If excessive moisture is observed, invert the bottom over an off-set lid and allow to air dry in order to prevent formation of a seal between the top and bottom of the plate during incubation.

Pathogenic microorganisms, including hepatitis viruses and Human Immunodeficiency Virus, may be present in clinical specimens. "Standard Precautions"^6-9 and institutional guidelines should be followed in handling all items contaminated with blood and other body fluids. After use, prepared plates, specimen containers and other contaminated materials must be sterilized by autoclaving before discarding.