CA is an enriched non-selective media. It is supplemented with vitamin K1 and hemin to facilitate the recovery of fastidious anaerobic bacteria. Sheep blood is added for the observation of hemolytic reactions as seen by the double zone β‑hemolysis of Clostridium perfringens, and for growth factors required by some fastidious microorganisms. This media is prepared, stored, and dispensed under oxygen-free conditions to prevent the formation of oxidized products prior to use.
Columbia Blood Agar – CA
CA Agar Plate
B. fragilis (ATCC 25285) Growing On CA Agar Plate
4 plates per package
| Catalog # |
Description |
Qty |
Price |
| AS-895 | Columbia Blood Agar (CA) | 4 plates |
$14.38 |
Non-stock item: 25 pack minimum order, allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
Product Description & Summary
CA is an enriched non-selective media. It is supplemented with vitamin K1 and hemin to facilitate the recovery of fastidious anaerobic bacteria. Sheep blood is added for the observation of hemolytic reactions as seen by the double zone β‑hemolysis of Clostridium perfringens, and for growth factors required by some fastidious microorganisms. This media is prepared, stored, and dispensed under oxygen-free conditions to prevent the formation of oxidized products prior to use.
Interpretation of Results & Limitations
CA supports good growth of a variety of microorganisms found in clinical infections. In addition, this media should support typical pigment production by Prevotella melaninogenica and typical double zone of β-hemolysis around colonies of Clostridium perfringens.
will not provide complete information for identification of bacterial isolates. Additional test procedures and media are required for complete identification. In some cases, CA may be overgrown with swarming Proteus spp. or Clostridium spp. It is recommended that selective media such as Anaerobic Brucella Laked Blood Agar with Kanamycin and Vancomycin (LKV, catalog #: AS-112) and/or Anaerobic Brucella Blood Agar with Phenylethyl Alcohol (PEA, catalog # AS-113) also be inoculated from clinical specimens to prevent such overgrowth and thus provide isolated colonies. Consult reference materials for additional information.
Quality Control
The following organisms are routinely used for quality assurance performance testing at Anaerobe Systems.
| Organism Tested | ATCC # | Results | Time | Special Reaction |
| Bacteroides fragilis * | 25285 | Growth | 24 hrs | |
| Prevotella melaninogenica* | 25845 | Growth | 48 hrs | Pigment t |
| Fusobacterium necrophorum | 25286 | Variable | 48 hrs | |
| Fusobacterium nucleatum * | 25586 | Growth | 24 hrs | |
| Clostridium perfringens * | 13124 | Growth | 24 hrs | Double Zone of β-hemolysis |
| Peptostreptococcus anaerobius * | 27337 | Growth | 24 hrs | |
| Staphylococcus aureus or Enterococcus faecalis | 25923 29212 | Growth | 24 hrs | |
| Escherichia coli | 25922 | Growth | 24 hrs | |
| Proteus mirabilis | 12453 | Growth | 24 hrs | |
| Propionibacterium acnes or Clostridium difficile | 6919 9689 | Growth | 24 – 48 hrs
24 hrs |
* Organisms specified by CLSI for Quality Control testing of Anaerobic Blood Agars.
t Pigment production may require more than 48 hours incubation
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.