Reinforced Clostridial Medium
Also known as：RCM · Reinforced Clostridial Broth · RCB · Medium for Reinforced Clostridia
For the cultivation, enrichment, and enumeration of Clostridium species and other anaerobic organisms.
- Category
- Dehydrated Culture Media
- Dissolve per litre
- 38 g
- Pack sizes
- 500 g · 5 kg · 25 kg
- Certifications
- ISO 22000 · Halal
Data updated：2026-11-06
Brand cross-reference：BD Difco Reinforced Clostridial Medium · Oxoid Reinforced Clostridial Medium · Merck Reinforced Clostridial Medium Brand cross-reference
- Allergens
- Soy, Milk
Overview
Reinforced Clostridial Medium is a broth (liquid) medium, intended for anaerobes and nutritionally demanding organisms. It is rich and reduced, used to cultivate and count clostridia and other anaerobes. STBIO manufactures it from food-grade raw materials in an ISO 22000 certified facility, with a COA for every batch. This is the Halal-certified version.
Principle
Reinforced Clostridial Medium was described by Hirsch and Grinsted for the cultivation and enumeration of clostridia and other anaerobic spore-formers, and is formulated to initiate growth from a small inoculum.¹ Meat extract, peptone, and yeast extract supply nitrogen, amino acids, vitamins, and growth factors. Dextrose serves as the carbon and energy source, sodium chloride maintains the osmotic equilibrium, and sodium acetate buffers the medium against acids produced during fermentation. Soluble starch acts as a protective colloid, adsorbing toxic metabolites, and L-cysteine hydrochloride lowers the redox potential to the level required by strict anaerobes. The small quantity of agar gives the medium a semi-solid consistency that restricts the diffusion of oxygen while allowing the diffusion of reducing substances, so that anaerobic conditions are maintained in the depth of the tube. The medium is specified in the pharmacopoeias for the enrichment of Clostridium species in the examination of non-sterile products.²
Media for anaerobes and fastidious organisms
Anaerobes and fastidious organisms require media containing reducing agents, blood, or infusion components, together with an anaerobic incubation environment. Some formulations need heat-labile supplements such as blood, serum, or antibiotics added after sterilisation; follow the preparation instructions for the timing and method.
Directions
Suspend 38 g of powder in 1 L of purified water. Heat with continuous stirring and bring to the boil for 1 minute. Dispense into tubes or flasks. Sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes. Avoid overheating. Test the finished medium for performance using stable, standard control cultures.
Cultural response
| Test organism | ATCC | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Clostridium sporogenes | 19404 | good-luxuriant |
| Clostridium perfringens | 13124 | good-luxuriant |
| Bacteroides vulgatus | 8482 | good-luxuriant |
Product highlights
- Food-grade raw materials, produced in an ISO 22000 certified facility
- Halal certified, suitable for the Malaysian, Indonesian, and Middle Eastern markets
- Manufactured to the standard formulation, 38 g per litre
- Performance verified against standard control strains before release (Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides vulgatus)
- Available in 500 g / 5 kg / 25 kg, from laboratory to industrial scale
- COA, specification sheet, and technical data sheet available; samples on request
- Manufactured in Taiwan with reliable supply
Food grade versus laboratory grade
Most culture media suppliers use laboratory-grade raw materials, which are held to lower standards for heavy metal residues, microbial contamination control, and traceability. That is adequate for pure research but not for applications with stricter raw-material requirements. STBIO manufactures with food-grade raw materials throughout, in a facility certified to ISO 22000 food safety management.
- Food microbiology laboratories working to ISO 17025 or equivalent requirements
- Biotech manufacturers exporting fermentation products and needing full raw-material traceability
- Organisations with ESG or compliance audit requirements across their supply chain
- Companies sourcing both Halal and non-Halal products who need one consistent material grade
Frequently asked questions
01How much powder per litre?
Use 38 g per litre of deionised water; preparation and sterilisation conditions are given on the specification sheet.
02Which organisms is it suitable for?
Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides vulgatus. See the cultural response table and the specification sheet.
03What are the equivalent brand products and standard methods?
Cross-reference: BD Difco Reinforced Clostridial Medium, Oxoid Reinforced Clostridial Medium, Merck Reinforced Clostridial Medium. Standard methods: . Formulations may differ slightly between makers; refer to the specification sheet.
04Can it be used for food-grade applications?
Yes. It is made from food-grade raw materials in an ISO 22000 certified facility and is suitable for culturing starters for fermented products that are consumed directly.
05How is this product prepared?
Suspend 38 g of powder in 1 L of purified water. Heat with continuous stirring and bring to the boil for 1 minute. Dispense into tubes or flasks. Sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes. Avoid overheating. Test the finished medium for performance using stable, standard control cultures.
06Is there a non-Halal version?
Yes. This is the Halal certified version; an equivalent standard version is also available.
07How do I request a bulk quotation, and can you provide a COA?
Yes. This product is available in 500 g, 5 kg, 25 kg. Tell us your application and volume when requesting a quotation; we reply within one working day and can supply the COA, specification sheet, and technical data sheet.
References
- 1. Hirsch A. and Grinsted E., 1954. Methods for the growth and enumeration of anaerobic spore-formers from cheese, with observations on the effect of nisin. J. Dairy Res., 21:101-110.
- 2. United States Pharmacopeia, current edition. Chapter <62> Microbiological Examination of Nonsterile Products: Tests for Specified Microorganisms, USP-NF, Rockville, MD.