A standard protocol for the quality control of microbiological media

A protocol, comprising standardized analysis and data forms, has been drawn up for the quality control of microbiological media. It was developed in order to standardize the testing procedures in our laboratory and to test media with minimal investment in time and resources. The forms encourage proper recording of the trials, which facilitates internal and external consideration of the results. The protocol was validated in a comparative investigation of the quality of media obtained from different suppliers and were shown to work satisfactorily. Based on the overall results, preferred suppliers for each medium were chosen. The standardized forms can be used in conjunction with the documents drafted by the International Committee for Food Microbiology and Hygiene (ICFMH) Working Party for Culture Media, bringing standardization of testing procedures one step nearer.