Deoxycholate citrate agar (DCA) agar) plate

The Deoxycholate Citrate Agar (DCA) Plate is a sterile, ready-to-use selective and differential culture medium formulated for the isolation and differentiation of enteric pathogens, particularly Salmonella and Shigella species, from clinical, food, and environmental samples. The medium contains sodium deoxycholate and sodium citrate, which selectively inhibit Gram-positive bacteria and many non-pathogenic intestinal microorganisms, thereby enhancing the recovery of enteric pathogens. Lactose and the pH indicator neutral red enable differentiation based on lactose fermentation, with lactose-fermenting organisms producing pink to red colonies, while lactose non-fermenters form colourless colonies. The inclusion of ferric ammonium citrate facilitates the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production, allowing H₂S-producing Salmonella species to develop characteristic colourless colonies with black centers.

The 90 mm Ready-to-Use DCA Plate is manufactured under stringent quality control standards to ensure consistent performance, optimum selectivity, and reliable differentiation. Its pre-poured format eliminates the need for media preparation, reduces the risk of contamination, and improves laboratory workflow and turnaround time. Suitable for the microbiological examination of stool specimens, food products, and other samples where enteric pathogens are suspected, the medium is widely used in clinical microbiology, food testing, public health, pharmaceutical quality control, and research laboratories for the selective isolation and differentiation of Salmonella, Shigella, and other enteric bacteria.

Deoxycholate Citrate Agar (DCA) Plate is a sterile, ready-to-use selective and differential culture medium formulated for the isolation and differentiation of enteric pathogens, particularly Salmonella and Shigella species, from various samples.