EC Broth

EC Broth is used for the detection of coliform bacteria at 37°C and Escherichia coli at 44.5°C. EC Broth is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans.

EC Broth (Escherichia coli Broth) is a selective enrichment broth designed for the isolation of coliforms, including E. coli, from water and food samples. It was the recommended medium of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the AOAC.

EC Broth is made selective for coliforms by the inclusion of Bile Salts in the dehydrated medium. The selective nature of this medium ensures that the growth of non-coliform bacteria is minimized. The medium is buffered by the addition of potassium phosphates and osmotically balanced by sodium chloride. The medium is used at 37°C for coliform organisms and 44.5°C is recommended for the isolation E. coli.