Neogen® Urea Agar Base (Christensen)

Urea Agar Base is used with agar for the differentiation of microorganisms on the basis of urease production in a laboratory setting. Urea Agar Base is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans.

Christensen devised a urea agar medium containing peptone and dextrose that had a reduced buffer content. The medium supported the vigorous growth of many Gram-negative, enteric bacilli and readily permitted observation of urease production. Urea Agar Base may be used as a screening medium (along with Triple Sugar Iron Agar) for the selection of Salmonella and Shigella cultures for serologic classification. Urea Agar Base is also used to detect production of urease by yeast. Urease production is an important differential test in microbiology and outlined in standard methods.