Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) Agar is a general purpose enriched non-selective media for the cultivation of a wide variety of microorganisms, including yeasts, molds, and bacteria.
Brain Heart Infusion Agar (BHI Agar)
Product Description & Summary
BHI Agar is an enriched non-selective media used for the isolation and cultivation of a wide variety of bacteria, including yeast and molds. The basic nutritive properties of this media are brain heart infusion from solids, meat peptone, and yeast extract. Dextrose provides a carbohydrate source for the fermentative microorganisms. Enrichment of the media with hemin and vitamin K1 is for the enhanced recovery of anaerobes. This media is prepared, dispensed, and packaged under oxygen-free conditions to prevent the formation of oxidized products prior to use.
Interpretation of Results & Limitations
This media supports good growth of many fastidious and non-fastidious anaerobes isolated from clinical specimens.
BHI Agar will not provide complete information for identification of bacterial isolates. Additional test procedures and media are required for complete identification. It is recommended that a non-selective media, such as Brucella Blood Agar (BRU, catalog #: AS-111) also be inoculated from the same clinical specimen to assure recovery of all species present. Consult reference materials for additional information.
Quality Control
The following organisms are routinely used for quality control testing at Anaerobe Systems.
Organism Tested | ATCC # | Results | Time |
Bacteroides fragilis | 25285 | Growth | 24 hrs |
Prevotella melaninogenica | 25845 | Growth | 24 – 48 hrs |
Fusobacterium mortiferum | 25557 | Growth | 24 – 48 hrs |
Fusobacterium necrophorum | 25286 | Growth | 24 – 48 hrs |
Clostridium perfringens | 13124 | Growth | 24 hrs |
Clostridium sporogenes | 3584 | Growth | 24 hrs |
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius | 27337 | Growth | 24 hrs |
Proteus mirabilis | 12453 | Growth | 24 hrs |
Propionibacterium acnes or
Clostridium difficile |
6919
9689 |
Growth | 24 – 48 hrs
24 hrs |
Staphylococcus aureus or
Enterococcus faecalis |
25923
29212 |
Growth | 24 hrs
24 hrs |
Escherichia coli | 25922 | Growth | 24 hrs |
Product Storage & Shelf Life
Storage:Upon receipt, store at room temperature in original package until used. Avoid overheating or freezing. Do not use media if there are signs of deterioration (shrinking, cracking, or discoloration due to oxidation of media) or contamination. The expiration date applies to the product in its original packaging and stored as directed. Do not use product past the expiration date shown on the label.
Shelf Life: 90 days from date of manufacture.