Chocolate Agar - Fastidious Pathogen Specialist

Chocolate Agar, prepared by heating blood agar base to 80°C, releases hemin (X-factor) and NAD (V-factor) from lysed erythrocytes while eliminating hemoglobin toxicity. This enriched medium supports superior recovery of nutritionally exacting pathogens from respiratory specimens, CSF, genital swabs, and blood cultures.

Primary Diagnostic Applications

Essential for Neisseria meningitidis isolation from meningitis cases, Neisseria gonorrhoeae from STD specimens, and Haemophilus influenzae from respiratory infections. Chocolate Agar with bacitracin (CABA) variant provides selective Haemophilus isolation. Critical backup medium for positive blood cultures.

Technical Specifications

19mm x 15mm x 20ml plates (Cat. 0800600E), 10 pcs/stack. SFDA compliant, ISO 13485 manufactured. Uniform factor distribution, optimal pH stability, extended shelf life.

Protocol Optimization

Heavy swab streaking inoculation, 5-10% CO2 at 35-37°C for 24-48 hours. Examine for small opaque gray colonies. Confirm with X/V factor disks and oxidase testing.