EC Medium (aka EC Broth)

EC Medium, otherwise known as EC Broth, is used to detect the presence of coliform bacteria in water, wastewater, and foods. Developed by Hajna and Perryl, it was designed to detect coliform bacteria, specifically E. coli. A buffered lactose broth, it contains bile salts to inhibit gram-positive bacteria and spore forming microorganisms. Coliforms can be detected by growth at 37°C while Escherichia coli are detected by growth at 44.5°C. Dipotassium Phosphate and Monopotassium Phosphate act as buffering agents while Sodium Chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium.