Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Produced by Iron-limited Mycobacteria
Published on: October 31, 2019
Modified blood supplemented Lowenstein Jensen medium improves recovery of mycobacteria from sputum samples
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Choithram Hospital & Research Centre, Indore.
Abstract:
Lowenstein Jensen medium containing 3% human blood in CPDA anticoagulant was compared with plain LJ medium for mycobacterial growth using 565 sputum samples. Mycobacterial growth appeared on both the media in case of 148 samples. However, growth was faster by one week and colony size larger over blood supplemented LJ in 53 of the 145 culture positives. Additional 12 samples which showed no growth on plain LJ could grow only on LJ supplemented with blood. While 3 samples revealed scanty growth on plain LJ alone. The experience suggests that two LJ slants; one plain and the other supplemented with blood be in inoculated routinely to increase speed of growth and recovery of mycobacteria from clinical samples.
Related Concept Videos
Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...

