OXOID Simmons Citrate Agar

OXOID Simmons Citrate Agar – Reliable Medium for Citrate Utilization Test

OXOID Simmons Citrate Agar is a high-quality differential culture medium used for the identification of Enterobacteriaceae based on their ability to utilize citrate as the sole carbon source. Manufactured by Oxoid Ltd, this medium is widely trusted in clinical, food, and research laboratories for accurate biochemical testing.

Key Features of OXOID Simmons Citrate Agar

• Differential Medium: Distinguishes bacteria based on citrate utilization ability
• Clear Color Indicator: Uses bromothymol blue for easy interpretation
• High Accuracy: Ideal for identifying Gram-negative enteric bacteria
• Consistent Performance: Produced under strict quality standards
• Easy Preparation: Available in dehydrated powder form

Composition of Simmons Citrate Agar

The medium contains:

• Sodium citrate (carbon source)
• Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (nitrogen source)
• Dipotassium phosphate (buffer)
• Sodium chloride
• Magnesium sulfate
• Bromothymol blue (pH indicator)
• Agar

Principle of Simmons Citrate Agar

Simmons Citrate Agar is based on the ability of organisms to use citrate as the sole carbon source and ammonium salts as the sole nitrogen source.

• If the organism utilizes citrate, alkaline byproducts are produced, increasing the pH and turning the medium from green to blue.
• If the organism cannot utilize citrate, the medium remains green, indicating a negative result.

Result Interpretation

• Positive Test: Growth with blue color (e.g., Klebsiella, Enterobacter)
• Negative Test: No growth, medium remains green (e.g., Escherichia coli)

Applications

• Identification of Enterobacteriaceae
• Clinical microbiology diagnostics
• Food and water testing laboratories
• Pharmaceutical quality control
• Academic and research studies

Advantages

• Simple and reliable biochemical test
• Clear visual differentiation
• Supports routine laboratory workflows
• Globally trusted Oxoid Ltd quality

Storage and Handling

• Store at 10–30°C in a dry place
• Keep container tightly closed
• Prepare according to manufacturer instructions
• Avoid contamination during use

Why Choose OXOID Simmons Citrate Agar?

Oxoid Ltd offers premium microbiological media with consistent quality and reliable results. Simmons Citrate Agar is essential for accurate biochemical identification of bacteria in modern laboratories.