Technical

Boric Acid Broth M216
Intended use
For the detection and presumptive identification of Escherichia coli on the basis of this organism to grow at 43°C and form
gas in the presence of boric acid
Composition**
Ingredients Gms / Litre
Proteose peptone 10.000
Lactose 5.000
Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate 12.200
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate 4.100
Boric acid 3.250
Final pH ( at 25°C) 7.0±0.2
**Formula adjusted, standardized to suit performance parameters
Directions
Suspend 34.55 grams in 1000 ml purified/distilled water. Dispense in test tubes with inverted Durham’s tubes. Sterilize
by autoclaving at 15 lbs pressure (121°C) for 15 minutes. For inocula larger than one ml, the medium should be
prepared in proportionately greater concentration. A pH indicator may be added if desired.
Principle And Interpretation

Boric acid has been used as a medium for the detection of E.coli from foods and water. This medium has been suggested by
Levine et.al (5). When isolates from agar slant or samples are inoculated into lactose broth and boric acid broth. Only E.coli
grow and produce gas in both the broths, while Aerobacter species grow only in lactose broth (1).
Proteose peptone supplies carbon, nitrogen substances, long chain amino acids, vitamins and other growth supplements to
the microorganisms. Lactose is the fermentable carbohydrate. Phosphates buffer the medium. Boric acid allows the growth of
E.coli.
Type of specimen
Food samples; Water samples.
Specimen Collection and Handling:

For food samples, follow appropriate techniques for sample collection and processing as per guidelines (6).
For water samples, follow appropriate techniques for sample collection, processing as per guidelines and local standards (2).
After use, contaminated materials must be sterilized by autoclaving before discarding.
Warning and Precautions :

Read the label before opening the container. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/ face protection.
Follow good microbiological lab practices while handling specimens and culture. Standard precautions as per
established guidelines should be followed while handling specimens. Safety guidelines may be referred in individual
safety data sheets.
Limitations :
1. Further biochemical testing is required for complete identification.
Performance and Evaluation

Performance of the medium is expected when used as per the direction on the label within the expiry period when stored at
recommended temperature.
Please refer disclaimer Overleaf.

HiMedia Laboratories Technical Data
Quality Control
Appearance
Cream to pink homogeneous free flowing powder
Colour and Clarity of prepared medium
Light amber coloured clear solution
Reaction
Reaction of 3.46% w/v aqueous solution at 25°C. pH : 7.0±0.2
pH
6.80-7.20
Cultural Response
Cultural characteristics observed after an incubation at 43°C for 18 - 24 hours.
Organism Inoculum Growth Gas
(CFU)
Escherichia coli ATCC 50-100 luxuriant Positive
25922 (00013*) reaction
# Klebsiella aerogenes 50-100 inhibited Negative
ATCC 13048 (00175*) reaction
Salmonella Typhi ATCC 50-100 inhibited Negative
6539 reaction
Key : (#) Formerly known as Enterobacter aerogenes (*) correspondind WDCM numbers
Storage and Shelf Life

Store between 10-30°C in a tightly closed container and the prepared medium at 15-25°C. Use before expiry date on
the label. On opening, product should be properly stored dry, after tightly capping the bottle in order to prevent lump
formation due to the hygroscopic nature of the product. Improper storage of the product may lead to lump formation.
Store in dry ventilated area protected from extremes of temperature and sources of ignition Seal the container tightly
after use. Use before expiry date on the label.
Product performance is best if used within stated expiry period.
Disposal
User must ensure safe disposal by autoclaving and/or incineration of used or unusable preparations of this product. Follow
established laboratory procedures in disposing of infectious materials and material that comes into contact with sample must
be decontaminated and disposed of in accordance with current laboratory techniques (3,4).
Reference
1. A. Njoku-Obi and C. E. Skinner. Boric Acid Lactose Broth as a Medium for the Detection of Fecal Coliform Bacteria.
Appl Microbiol. 1957 March; 5(2): 80–82.
2. Baird R.B., Eaton A.D., and Rice E.W., (Eds.), 2015, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
Wastewater, 23rd ed., APHA, Washington, D.C.
3. Isenberg, H.D. Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook 2nd Edition.
4. Jorgensen, J.H., Pfaller, M.A., Carroll, K.C., Funke, G., Landry, M.L., Richter, S.S and Warnock., D.W. (2015)
Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 11th Edition. Vol. 1.
5. Levine, M., Epstein S.S.,1934. Differential reactions in the colon group of bacteria. American Journal of Public
Health.24-505-510
6. Salfinger Y., and Tortorello M.L. Fifth (Ed.), 2015, Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Examination of
Foods, 5th Ed., American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.
Revision :03 / 2019
Disclaimer :
User must ensure suitability of the product(s) in their application prior to use. Products conform solely to the information contained in
this and other related HiMedia™ publications. The information contained in this publication is based on our research and development
work and is to the best of our knowledge true and accurate. HiMedia™ Laboratories Pvt Ltd reserves the right to make changes to
specifications and information related to the products at any time. Products are not intended for human or animal or therapeutic use but
for laboratory,diagnostic, research or further manufacturing use only, unless otherwise specified. Statements contained herein should not
be considered as a warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, and no liability is accepted for infringement of any patents.
HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Reg.office : 23, Vadhani Ind.Est., LBS Marg, Mumbai-400086, India. Customer care No.: 022-6116 9797 Corporate office :
A-516,Swastik Disha Business Park,Via Vadhani Ind. Est., LBS Marg, Mumbai-400086, India. Customer care No.: 022-6147 1919 Email:
techhelp@himedialabs.com Website: www.himedialabs.com

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Technical

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Boric Acid Broth M216

Principle And Interpretation

Specimen Collection and Handling:

Warning and Precautions :

Performance and Evaluation

Please refer disclaimer Overleaf.

Storage and Shelf Life

Revision :03 / 2019

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