Citrate Test (Cappuccino & Welsh, 2017).
Description. Simmons citrate agar containing pH bromthymol blue indicator changes from green (prior to inoculation) to blue in the presence of alkaline sodium carbonate (formed from sodium, water and carbon dioxide from the metabolism path of citrate) (Cappuccino & Welsh, 2017).
Clinical significance. The Citrate test is part of the IMViC tests which help to differentiate Enterobacteriaceae (Microbugz Austin Community College, n.d.).
Summary of main steps. It is assumed that the reader knows aseptic technique and basic inoculation.
- Using aseptic technique, inoculate a Simmons citrate agar slant.
- Incubate at 37°C for 24-48 hours. Observe results.
Reference
Cappuccino, J. G., & Welsh, C. (2018). Microbiology: A laboratory manual.
Microbugz Austin Community College. (n.d.). Welcome to Microbugz – Citrate Test. Retrieved from http://www.austincc.edu/microbugz/citrate_test.php
