TRYPTONE BILE X-GLUCURONIDE (TBX) MEDIUM

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Basic information

  • Chemical formula(s): Complex mixture containing sodium deoxycholate (1-5%), sodium cholate (1-5%), tryptone, X-glucuronide chromogen
  • Other names: TBX agar, Harlequin™ Tryptone Bile Glucuronide Agar
  • CAS number: Not applicable (mixture)
  • Product Code: NCM1001 (Neogen)
  • International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): N/A (see Neogen Safety Data Sheet)
  • Flammability: yes (combustible powder)
  • Description: Dehydrated microbiological culture medium for enumeration of E. coli. Contains bile salts as selective agent and X-glucuronide as chromogenic substrate. ISO 16649 compliant.

NFPA 704 (fire diamond)

  • Health (blue): 1 - poses minimal health hazard, may cause irritation.
  • Flammability (red): 0 - will not burn under typical fire conditions.
  • Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
  • Special notice (white): -

Hazard statements

According to the safety data sheet, this product is not classified as hazardous under GHS. However, components have the following classifications:

Code Phrase
H302 harmful if swallowed (sodium deoxycholate component)
H315 causes skin irritation (bile salt components)
H319 causes serious eye irritation (bile salt components)

Precautionary statements

Code Phrase
P261 avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray
P264 wash hands thoroughly after handling
P271 use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
P280 wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of water
P304+P340 IF INHALED: remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing
P312 call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell
P332+P313 if skin irritation occurs: get medical advice/attention
P337+P313 if eye irritation persists: get medical advice/attention

Protective measures

Gloves

For handling TBX medium powder:

  • Nitrile: very good - chemical-resistant gloves made of any waterproof material recommended.
  • Natural latex or rubber: good - adequate for routine handling.
  • PVC: fair - provides basic protection against irritants.
  • Vinyl: fair - minimal protection, suitable for brief contact only.

Safety goggles

  • Use appropriate suitable eye protection when handling.
  • May cause irritation to eyes - avoid contact.
  • Corrective glasses are not considered safety goggles.
  • Use tight-fitting chemical safety goggles.

Clothing

  • Wear protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
  • Long sleeves and full-length pants required.
  • Closed-toe shoes mandatory.
  • Wash contaminated clothing separately from other laundry before reuse.
  • May cause skin irritation - minimize skin exposure.

Respiratory protection

  • In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.
  • Dust may be irritating if inhaled.
  • May cause irritation to respiratory system.
  • Use fume hood or local exhaust ventilation when preparing media.

Spill management

  • Avoid formation of dust - do not sweep dry material.
  • Use wet cleanup methods or vacuum with appropriate filter.
  • Clean spillage area thoroughly with plenty of water.
  • Do not contaminate water by cleaning of equipment or disposal of wastes.
  • Prevent further spillage if safe - do not flush into surface water.
  • Do not let product contaminate subsoil.
  • Dispose according to local and national regulations.

Special warnings

  • Contains bile salts - sodium deoxycholate and sodium cholate (1-5% each).
  • May be harmful if swallowed - contains materials which may be harmful if swallowed.
  • Dust may be irritating if inhaled - avoid breathing dust.
  • Microbiological media - may support growth of pathogenic microorganisms after hydration.
  • Not classified as hazardous - but contains components with hazard classifications.
  • Store at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C.
  • Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture.
  • Hygroscopic - absorbs moisture from air, affecting media performance.
  • ISO 16649 compliant - meets international standards for E. coli enumeration.
  • For in vitro use only - intended for laboratory analytics including quality control.
  • Keep away from extreme temperatures and moisture.
  • May cause allergic reactions in susceptible people.
  • Follow label instructions for preparation and use.