Reinforced Clostridial Medium is used for the cultivation of anaerobes from food. This medium conforms to Harmonized USP/EP/JP Requirements and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans.
Reinforced Clostridial Medium (RCM) is recommended by the Harmonized Pharmacopoeia for the selective enrichment of Clostridia from non-sterile samples and conforms to USP/EP/JP performance specifications. Peptone, beef and yeast extract provide a source of nitrogen, essential vitamins and amino acids. Starch aids the detoxification of harmful metabolites and glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Sodium chloride provides osmotic balance and sodium acetate acts as a buffer. L-Cysteine hydrochloride acts as a reducing agent to create an anaerobic environment and maintain a low Eh. This is aided by the low level of agar which reduces the oxygen permeability through the medium. According to the Harmonized Pharmacopoeia, Reinforced Medium for Clostridia is used as a selective enrichment broth, with subculture performed onto Columbia Agar.
