BARRITT REAGENT A (for VP test)

Barritt Reagent A is utilised in the Voges-Proskauer (VP) test to detect the bacterial cultures for the ability to produce acetoin. It is compatible with Barritt Reagent B in the test and aids in the identification of bacterial species based on their metabolic characteristics.
The VP test is very helpful in differentiating members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. In some bacteria the products of fermentation are acidic, while in others the acidic products are further metabolised to neutral products such as acetoin and 2,3-butanediol.
During the test, acetoin is oxidised to diacetyl in the presence of atmospheric oxygen and alkali. Diacetyl then reacts with creatine to give a characteristic red colour. The appearance of this colour is a positive VP-reaction and is useful for differentiating between organisms that have different pathways of fermentation.
Barritt Reagent A is supplied as a pink-coloured, clear liquid with an alcohol odour and is miscible with water. The product passes the specified suitability test.
For reliable interpretation, the test should be conducted with the incubation and addition of reagents as the recommendations. Proper exposure to oxygen and good reaction conditions are needed for optimal color development and accurate identification.

Supports the Voges-Proskauer test for detecting acetoin production by bacterial cultures when used with Barritt Reagent B.