---
title: Interested in Clinical Microbiology Automation? Know Which Enrichment and Transport Media to Use
description: Microbiology automation is an important trend in the industry right now and enrichment & transport media is at the heart of it. Which do you need? We can help!
image: https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/puritan_OG_Clinical_599x250.png
---

- [Home](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/)
- [Education](https://info.puritanmedproducts.com/resource-library)
- [**Blog**](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/)

# Puritan Blog

Nov 3, 2016[Print this page](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/the-importance-of-enrichment-and-transport-media-to-clinical-microbiology-automation#)

# Interested in Clinical Microbiology Automation? Know Which Enrichment and Transport Media to Use

![Transport_and_Enrichment_Media.png](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Transport_and_Enrichment_Media.png?width=599&height=250&name=Transport_and_Enrichment_Media.png)

Microbiology automation is an important trend in the industry right now and enrichment and transport media is at the heart of it. 

Studies have shown flocked swabs facilitate [greater specimen collection and complete elution](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/bid/314046/why-flocked-swabs-provide-superior-specimen-collection). The elution of a specimen from such swabs into liquid has demonstrated a significant increase in the release of viable organisms from the swab, which translates into increased sensitivity for detection of microorganisms in the specimen. Consequently, more and more labs are using flocked swabs in combination with a transport media to aid the recovery and detection of pathogens after collection. 

Increased specimen sensitivity is not the only benefit. Placing specimens in a liquid based transport allows innoculation and smear preparation to be done with automation platforms. And since automation saves time and money, more and more companies are offering liquid based media to fit the new processors.

But what kind of medium do you need? What are the differences between them? We'll walk you through four of the most common (and important) enrichment and transport media. 

## **Transport Media**

A transport medium is a non-nutritive, balanced, buffered medium that provides a controlled environment to maintain the viability of microorganisms without a significant increase in growth from the time of collection to the time it is processed at a lab. 

Transport media vary depending on what type of specimen is being collected. They're generally classified on the basis of physical state (semi-solid and liquid) as well as their use in bacterial or viral transport media.

## **Cary-Blair**

In the 1960s Cary and Blair modified Stuart's medium—which consisted of Sodium Thioglycolate, Sodium Glycerophosphate, Calcium Chloride and Methylene Blue as a color indicator—by replacing Sodium Glycerophosphate with inorganic phosphate and raising the pH to 8.4. The resulting medium brilliantly **supported the viability of the enteric pathogens (*salmonella*, *listeria*, and *e. coli)* in fecal samples**.

The formula has changed little over for the past several decades and Cary-Blair is the preferred transport medium for the preservation of fecal and rectal specimens containing enteric pathogenic bacteria. 

## **Regan-Lowe**

Regan and Lowe discovered the medium useful for the selective **isolation of *B. pertussis* and *B. parapertussis—*the agents that cause whooping cough**. Whooping cough is a respiratory infection that can be severe in young infants. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to limit the progression of the disease and minimize its transmission.

Regan-Lowe transport medium is a selective medium used for **transport of [nasopharyngeal specimens](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/bid/341971/how-to-collect-a-nasopharyngeal-swab-specimen-for-flu-testing-video) to the laboratory** for qualitative procedures. The base medium contains charcoal to neutralize toxic fatty acids in the specimen. It is supplemented with cephalexin to inhibit bacteria indigenous to the nasopharynx. Horse blood is added to the medium to support the growth of Bordetella species.

## **Enrichment Media**

An enrichment culture is a medium with specific and known qualities that favors the growth of a particular microorganism. The enrichment culture's environment supports the growth of that selected microorganism while inhibiting the growth of others. Growth is promoted by providing an organism with essential nutrients. However rarely, inhibitory substances are added to prevent the growth of normal competitors.

Enrichment media are needed when a low amount of potential pathogens is assumed to be present in a specimen. Those specimens are enriched to multiply the low number. 

## **MRSA**

These transport media are used for** isolation of *Staphylococcus aureus***, particularly [methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/how-to-swab-for-mrsa). *S. aureus* is one of the **most common causes of skin and soft tissue infection** in both healthcare and community settings.

Enrichment broths are commonly used to **increase sensitivity testing for MRSA by increasing isolation rates**. Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) often serves as the base medium to enhance the growth of *S. aureus*. TSB contains enzymatic digest of casein and enzymatic digest of soybean meal, which provide amino acids and complex nitrogenous compounds that promote microbial growth. Dextrose acts as a carbon energy source that facilitates growth. Dipotassium phosphate acts as a buffering agent. Sodium chloride is added to inhibit or partially inhibit microorganisms other than *S. aureus*.

## **LIM Broth**

LIM Broth is a selective enrichment broth medium used for the **isolation of Group B Streptococcus (GBS)**. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the **most common cause of infections such as sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia among newborns**. The disease is transmitted to newborns through the mother who carries GBS in her rectum or genital tract during birth. 

The CDC suggests [using vaginal and rectal swabs](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/how-to-take-self-swab-samples-detection-group-b-streptococcus) with selective enrichment broths to detect GBS colonization from the suspected pregnant women for culture-based screening between 35 and 37 week’s gestation. A LIM Broth's peptones, dextrose, and yeast extract provide nutritional base for growth of GBS. Nalidixic acid and colistin suppress growth of gram-negative bacteria.

This is, of course, only a brief overview of a few important media in clinical microbiology. Custom media systems are also available, which is crucial as automated specimen processors become more popular in labs. Don't hesitate to [speak with one of our knowledgeable product specialists today](http://www.puritanmedproducts.com/contact-us)<http://www.puritanmedproducts.com/contact-us>if you're still unsure of what you need. We're here to help!

 

[![Get Enrichment Media Samples Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/236379/fb6af120-96ec-4f56-adef-8be3ec54d6fc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/236379/fb6af120-96ec-4f56-adef-8be3ec54d6fc)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

 Topics: [Diagnostics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/diagnostics), [Microbiology Media](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/microbiology-media)

### Related Posts

[Your Guide to ADLM 2026 in Anaheim | Puritan Medical Products](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/adlm)

[![Your Guide to ADLM 2026 in Anaheim | Puritan Medical Products](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/anaheim%20ADLM%202026.jpg)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/adlm)

[What is Viral Transport Media: The Complete Guide](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/viral-transport-media)

[![What is Viral Transport Media: The Complete Guide](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/Featured%20Blog%20-%20Ensure%20Sample%20Integrity%20with%20Viral%20Transport%20Media.jpeg)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/viral-transport-media)

## Comments

### How To Videos

Visit our training center, where you can view videos on a range of applications from food safety to microbiology.

[Videos](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/videos)

### Resource Library

We've compiled our content in a handy library so you can find all our best resources in one place.

[Resource Library](https://info.puritanmedproducts.com/resource-library)

### Find a Distributor

Using our distributor chart, you can see a list of distributors where you can buy our products.

[Where to Buy](https://www.puritanmedproducts.com/how-to-buy/)

### Recent Posts

### Topics

- [100 Year Annniversary](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/100-year-anniversary)
- [Controlled Environments](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/controlled-environments)
- [COVID-19](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/covid-19)
- [Customer Stories](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/customer-stories)
- [Customization](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/Customization)
- [Diagnostics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/diagnostics)
- [Employee Spotlight Series](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/employee-spotlight-series)
- [Environmental and Food Safety](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/environmental-and-food-safety)
- [Flocked Swabs](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/flocked-swabs)
- [Flu](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/flu)
- [Forensics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/forensics)
- [Genetics](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/genetics)
- [Health and Beauty](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/health-and-beauty)
- [Microbiology Media](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/microbiology-media)
- [Media Transport Systems](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/media-transport-systems)
- [Medical](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/medical)
- [Puritan](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/puritan)
- [Scientific Studies](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/scientific-studies)
- [Specimen Collection Procedure](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/specimen-collection-procedure)
- [Veterinary](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/topic/veterinary)

### Disclaimer

 The information on this document and/or our website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this document and/or our website is for general information purposes only. Please consult with a licensed medical professional regarding the application of products.

### Posts Archive

- [June 2026 (4)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/06)
- [April 2026 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (9)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/12)
- [November 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/11)
- [October 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/10)
- [August 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/08)
- [July 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/07)
- [June 2025 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/06)
- [May 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/04)
- [March 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/03)
- [February 2025 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/02)
- [January 2025 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2025/01)
- [December 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/12)
- [November 2024 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/11)
- [October 2024 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/10)
- [August 2024 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/08)
- [July 2024 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/07)
- [June 2024 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/06)
- [May 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/05)
- [April 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/04)
- [March 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/03)
- [February 2024 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2024/02)
- [December 2023 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/08)
- [June 2023 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/05)
- [March 2023 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2023/03)
- [October 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/06)
- [March 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2022/01)
- [November 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/11)
- [September 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (4)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/07)
- [May 2021 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/12)
- [October 2020 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2020/02)
- [November 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/11)
- [September 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/09)
- [July 2019 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2019/01)
- [November 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/10)
- [August 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2018/04)
- [September 2017 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/08)
- [May 2017 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/05)
- [March 2017 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2017/01)
- [November 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/11)
- [September 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/11)
- [September 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/07)
- [April 2015 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2015/04)
- [December 2014 (4)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/12)
- [November 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/11)
- [September 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/09)
- [August 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/08)
- [July 2014 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/07)
- [June 2014 (3)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/06)
- [May 2014 (2)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/05)
- [April 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/04)
- [February 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/02)
- [January 2014 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2014/01)
- [December 2013 (5)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2013/12)
- [September 2013 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2013/09)
- [April 2013 (1)](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/archive/2013/04)

[More Archives](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/the-importance-of-enrichment-and-transport-media-to-clinical-microbiology-automation#)

### Subscribe

Stay informed about industry news, current events, and the unique properties of Puritan's wide range of products that set them apart from the rest.

![puritan footer logo](https://blog.puritanmedproducts.com/hubfs/puritan_footer_green.png)Copyright © 2026 Puritan Medical Products. All rights reserved.Proudly Made in the USA

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Puritan Medical"
  },
  "dateModified" : "July 25, 2023, 1:35:08 PM",
  "datePublished" : "2016-11-03 12:30:00",
  "description" : "Microbiology automation is an important trend in the industry right now and enrichment & transport media is at the heart of it. Which do you need? We can help!",
  "headline" : "Interested in Clinical Microbiology Automation? Know Which Enrichment and Transport Media to Use",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "url" : "http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/236379/puritan_OG_Clinical_599x250.png"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/236379/puritan_logo-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Puritan Medical Products"
  }
}
```