Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Agar

Description

Triple Sugar Iron Agar (TSI Agar) is used for the differentiation of gram-negative enteric bacilli based on carbohydrate fermentation and the production of hydrogen sulfide.

Carbohydrate fermentation is detected by the presence of gas and a visible color change (from red to yellow) of the pH indicator, phenol red. The production of hydrogen sulfide is indicated by the presence of a precipitate that blackens the medium in the butt of the tube.