Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Agar for Enterobacteriaceae | ISO 6579 | Ausamics

Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Agar is a classical differential medium for the identification and preliminary characterization of enteric Gram-negative bacteria, particularly members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It incorporates three fermentable carbohydrates — glucose (0.1%), lactose (1.0%), and sucrose (1.0%) — alongside phenol red as a pH indicator, sodium thiosulfate as an H²S substrate, and ferrous sulfate as the H²S detection reagent.

This combination allows simultaneous assessment of three metabolic traits in a single slant tube: carbohydrate fermentation profile, hydrogen sulfide (H&sub2;S) production, and gas generation. TSI Agar is widely employed in clinical diagnostics, food and water microbiology, and environmental testing.

• Triple sugar differentiation — glucose, lactose, and sucrose fermentation observable in a single tube
• H&sub2;S detection — black FeS precipitate clearly indicates H&sub2;S-producing organisms
• Phenol red pH indicator — rapid visual differentiation of acid and alkaline reactions
• Gas detection — cracks or displacement of agar indicate CO&sub2;/H&sub2; production
• Standardized — validated per ISO 6579, FDA-BAM, USP, and EP microbiological methods
• Dehydrated format — consistent batch-to-batch performance; long shelf life

1. Suspend 69 g in 1 L purified water. Heat with agitation until fully dissolved.
2. Dispense 7–10 mL into tubes. Autoclave at 121 °C for 15 minutes.
3. Cool to 50–55 °C. Incline tubes to form slants with a butt depth of ≥ 2.5 cm.
4. Allow to solidify. Store at 2–8 °C protected from light.

Reconstitution:

Suspend 69 g in 1 L purified water. Heat with continuous stirring until fully dissolved. Avoid excessive boiling.

Sterilisation:

Autoclave at 121 °C for 15 minutes. Do not over-autoclave — excessive heat degrades the H&sub2;S detection system.

Dispensing & Solidification:

Dispense 7–10 mL per tube at 50–55 °C. Incline at 30–45° to form slants with a butt depth ≥ 2.5 cm. Allow to solidify completely.

Inoculation:

Use a straight inoculating needle. Stab the butt to within 5 mm of the tube bottom, then streak the slant surface. Loosen cap during incubation. Incubate 35–37 °C for 18–24 h (up to 48 h for slow growers).

• TSI Agar is a screening tool only; definitive ID requires additional biochemical tests or molecular methods.
• H&sub2;S production may mask acid reactions in the butt — consider when reading black-precipitate-positive results.
• Overinoculation may cause false alkaline reactions on the slant surface.
• Storage beyond recommended period may affect pH indicator performance.

Technical Data Sheet represents typical values. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd reserves the right to update specifications without notice. Issue Date: March 2025 | Version 1.0

GHS Classification: NOT classified as a hazardous substance under Australian WHS Regulations 2017 at typical laboratory quantities.

Precautionary Statements (Prudent Laboratory Practice)

P260 Do not breathe dust  |  P264 Wash hands after handling  |  P270 Do not eat/drink/smoke  |  P501 Dispose per local regulations

Biological Hazard Note

Inoculated media may support growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Handle all inoculated media in accordance with applicable biosafety level (BSL) requirements and institutional biosafety guidelines.

Uninoculated medium: Dispose via licensed chemical waste contractor per local EPA regulations.

Inoculated / used medium: Autoclave at 121 °C for 30 minutes to inactivate biological material before disposal.

This is a summary SDS preview. The full GHS-compliant 16-section SDS is available for download. Issue Date: March 2025 | Version 1.0 | Prepared in accordance with Australian WHS Regulations 2017.

This COA is specific to Lot AS1365-250301 only. Results reflect the condition of this product at the time of QC testing and release. Not transferable to other lots. © 2025 AuSaMicS Pty Ltd. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.