1. Only chromogenic product on the market; identifies Shigella sp. by completely using negative characteristics of this genius (negative for 3 sugars and the chromogen).

2. Highly selective for various Shigella strains. 78 of 80 Shigella strains were shown to be white to colorless colonies – 98.5% sensitivity.

3. With a water insoluble chromogen, the colony color of any bacteria that produce β-glucosidase does not diffuse into the agar making detection and enumeration much easier.

4. The use of MacConkey (MAC agar) is not very differential (lactose fermentation only), many clear transparent colonies that grow on the agar will be non-Shigella strains.

5. MAC agar will eventually require further testing of the clear transparent colonies becoming more labor intensive and increase testing costs. Our medium is more differential (fewer false positives) requiring less testing.

6. The shelf life of prepared plates remains stable for at least 60 days, stored in the dark at 2-8°C. One bottle of plating medium powder and one box of supplements will make approximately 375 plates.

7. Tested by FDA, USDA and Health Canada with very satisfactory results. Routine tests being conducted by state departments of health and agriculture.

8. Our medium has been extensively tested by the Shanghai CDC and is now the national standard for testing Shigella sp. in China.