Fusobacterium Selective Agar – FSA

Product Description & Summary

FSA agar is an enriched selective media used for the isolation of Fusobacterium species. The nutritive base consists of casein, soy peptone, meat peptone, yeast extract, and dextrose. Dithiothreitol facilitates the lowering of the redox potential of the medium. The selective agents include josamycin, vancomycin, and neomycin at concentrations that inhibit most facultative and obligate anaerobes. This medium is prepared, dispensed, and packaged under oxygen-free conditions to prevent the formation of oxidized products prior to use.

Interpretation of Results & Limitations

If used properly, FSA agar supports the growth of most Fusobacterium species found in clinical specimens while inhibiting most facultative and obligate anaerobes.

FSA agar will not provide complete information for identification of bacterial isolates. Additional test procedures and media are required for complete identification. Some organisms that would normally grow on FSA medium may be inhibited. It is recommended that a non-selective medium, 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 performance testing at Anaerobe Systems.

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.