Capable of detecting Salmonella species within 24 hours, Modified Semi-solid Rappaport Vassiliadis (MSRV) medium is one of a range of products from Lab M devoted to the detection and isolation of these organisms.

MSRV medium offers a simple and rapid means of detecting motile strains of Salmonella, even if they are outnumbered by competitive bacteria by a factor of 10⁷.

MSRV medium is inoculated directly from pre-enrichment culture to the centre of the plate. Motile organisms spread through the semi-solid agar, with non-Salmonella being inhibited by selective agents in the medium. Spreading growth following overnight incubation indicates that Salmonella may be present. This is substantiated if a paper disc with polyvalent H antiserum has been included on the plate, and a zone of inhibition can be seen around it.

Salmonella presence should be confirmed by subculture from the edge of the motility zone onto XLD and Brilliant Green Agar before performing biochemical and serological tests. Polyvalent Salmonella antisera or a latex test may also be used for confirmation.