Bile Esculin Agar is prepared according to the formula specified by Swan, and later evaluated by Facklam and Moody. It was concluded that the bile esculin test provided a reliable means of identifying enterococci and differentiation from non-enterococci. Enterococci are bile tolerant and hydrolyze esculin which imparts a dark brown color to the medium. Gram positive bacteria other than enterococci are inhibited by the bile salts.

Directions per Liter:

Dissolve 64.5grams per liter of distilled/deionized water, heating to boiling with stirring until completely solubilized. Dispense into appropriate containers, loosen caps and autoclave for 15-30 minutes at 121ºC (15 psi).

Storage and Stability:

Store powdered media at RT. Opened bottles should be capped tightly and kept in a dark, low humidity environment. Prepared media should be kept at 4°C and used within a short period of time.