As the pioneer in chromogenic culture media, CHROMagar™ continues to lead the way in delivering new solutions for rapid, reliable microbial detection. Today, we spotlight three key innovations that exemplify our commitment to advancing clinical microbiology.
1. Peptidase detection in chromogenic media
Detecting peptidase activity in chromogenic media required overcoming complex backgrounds, designing precise substrates, and ensuring specificity, which made it a long-standing barrier for the field.
New solution: CHROMagar™ Strep ACG
With the launch of CHROMagar™ Strep ACG, we overcame these obstacles to develop a chromogenic medium based on peptidase activity, enabling direct differentiation of:
- Group A Streptococcus (Strep A)
- Group C and G Streptococci (Strep C/G)
Results are visible within 18–24 h under CO2 at 35–37 °C. Our medium can detect Group A even when non-β-hemolytic, going beyond traditional blood agar methods. Group C/G strains show a distinctive mauve coloration, creating clear, actionable distinctions for clinicians.
2. Chromogenic anaerobic media: simplifying detection of anaerobic pathogens
Culturing anaerobes is challenging, requiring oxygen exclusion, specialized airtight equipment, and meticulous handling, which makes the process complex and costly. We believe that chromogenic anaerobic media enable rapid, cost-efficient identification, resistance monitoring, and integration with automated, AI-driven diagnostics.
We are dedicated to tackling the challenges of anaerobes through chromogenic approaches. Stay tuned for our upcoming launch.
Our current chromogenic anaerobic media
CHROMagar™ C. difficile and CHROMagar™ C. perfringens for anaerobes designed for smarter, faster and safer applications.
- Instantly spot C. difficile and C. perfringens with clear, intense colony colors.
- Streamlined workflow: anaerobic atmosphere needed only during incubation.
- Safer handling with reduced transfers and lower contamination risk.
3. Exclusively detecting Candida auris: CHROMagar™Candida Plus
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast posing a serious nosocomial threat. The WHO has declared it a priority fungal pathogen, with resistance rising sharply worldwide.
Our solution: CHROMagar™ Candida Plus
This medium specifically enables reliable detection of Candida auris, which produces light blue colonies with a characteristic blue halo, while also allowing the detection and differentiation of other major clinical Candida species.
Advantages:
- Performance excellence: ≈100% sensitivity and specificity for C. auris detection
- Differentiate Candida species in one test, cutting extra media and costs.
- Enables rapid presumptive identification (24–48 h) from clinical or environmental samples.
At CHROMagar™, innovation is not an option; it’s imperative. From simplifying anaerobic workflows to breaking new ground with peptidase-based detection and providing the exclusive medium for Candida auris identification, we remain committed to pushing boundaries in microbiological diagnostics.
Interested in testing our new media or learning more? Contact us, we’d be delighted to discuss how our innovations can empower your needs.
