LIQUOID BROTH

Description

In most bacteriemic conditions in man, the organisms are not numerous. Therefore, for their demonstration by blood culture, relatively large amount of blood e.g. 5-10 ml should be used as inoculum. As the bloods natural bactericidal or bacteriostatic action may interfere with the growth of any bacteria present, diluting the blood with medium should annul this effect. The technology of blood culture was revised by Gould and Duerden. Upto 10 ml or more blood may be added to 100 ml of broth without a detectable antibacterial effect. The antibacterial effect may be further prevented by incorporation of substances such as sodium polyanethol sulphonate (SPS). Liquoid Broth is used for the culturing of blood specimens from suspected bacterimia cases. Liquoid (Sodium polyanethol sulphonate) is a good anticoagulant. Moreover, it is not inhibitory and has the added advantage of annulling the natural bactericidal action of blood.