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  Family-run since 1981

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Microbiology

Explore our range of Microbiology at Ocon Chemicals, one of Ireland's trusted laboratory suppliers. The category brings together culture media, agars, swabs, filtration and rapid tests, all chosen to meet the day-to-day needs of microbiology and food-safety labs. Whether you are restocking a busy lab or sourcing a specific specification, you will find dependable, quality-assured options here. Browse the products below, compare specifications and order online for fast, reliable delivery anywhere in Ireland.

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

Campylobacter Selective Agar Preston...

Code: SG8004

Per PK 10

€24.20ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

Antimicrobial Inhibitor Test Agar pH...

Code: HI-M1631-500G

Per 500G

€118.00ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

Bile Aesculin Agar Plates

Code: SG7050

€16.73ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

R2A Agar

Code: FA-CM0906B

€245.11ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

Nutrient Agar

Code: FA-CM0003B

€123.44ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

Milk Plate Count Agar

Code: FA-CM0681R

€686.15ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

M-Endo Agar

Code: SG8110

€20.30ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

Buffered Peptone Water

Code: FA-CM0509R

€231.56ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

Violet Red Bile Agar (VRBA)

Code: FA-CM0107T

€844.98ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

TSB fill

Code: SG0595Z

€27.50ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

Tryptone Soya Agar, (TSA) (EP/USP)...

Code: SG9001E-EACH

€10.13ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

0.1% Peptone Fill Syrup bottle

Code: SG9009L

€13.88ex VAT

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Average lead time: 15-10-2026

Tryptone Soya Agar (TSA)

Code: FA-CM0131B

€129.43ex VAT

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Microbiology Lab Equipment Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between selective, differential and chromogenic culture media?

Selective media contain in them, agents that suppress unwanted organisms so that the target bacteria can grow. For example, MacConkey or XLD agar. Differential media use indicators like pH or sugar reactions. This is to distinguish species by colony appearance. Chromogenic media, like Chromocult and CHROMagar, use enzyme substrates that make the target colonies show a specific colour. This then speeds up the identification process. Many media combine these different  properties.

Should I choose dehydrated (powder) media? Or ready-to-use plates and broths?

Dehydrated culture media are really cost-effective for high-volume labs that usually are preparing and pouring their own plates and controlling batch size. But they need weighing, sterilising and QC. These ready-to-use prepared plates, contact plates and tubed broths save time. They also cut preparation errors. And they suit smaller or busy labs. Ocon Chemicals supplies both in all the common formulations. This means you can match the volume, the budget and the workflow.

What are selective supplements? And how are they added to base media?

Selective supplements are usually antibiotics or inhibitors such as ampicillin, CFC or cefixime. They are added into a sterilised base medium to suppress competing flora and go after specific organisms. They typically come as freeze-dried vials. They are then reconstituted and mixed in at a set volume per litre before they are poured. They are added after autoclaving, after the medium has cooled to around 45–50°C. This will protect heat-sensitive agents.

Which culture medium should I use for targets like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria or yeasts and moulds?

It really depends on the organism. MacConkey, TBX or chromogenic coliform agar for E. coli and coliforms. XLD or CHROMagar Salmonella for Salmonella. A dedicated selective or chromogenic media for Listeria. Sabouraud dextrose, potato dextrose or DRBC agar for yeasts and moulds. Ocon Chemicals always has these in stock plus a lot of ISO-referenced formulations. Contact us today if you need a hand matching a method.

What is ATP hygiene monitoring? How does it work?

ATP monitoring is a very fast way to verify cleaning on surfaces and also in water. A swab collects and gathers any residue. A reaction that happens with luciferase produces light. A handheld luminometer reads it in literal seconds as Relative Light Units. The more ATP present, then that means the dirtier the surface. Ocon Chemicals always has and supplies Hygiena systems. This includes SystemSURE Plus and EnSURE Touch luminometers. With AquaSnap and surface swabs.

What types of microbiology swab do you supply?

We stock swabs for all different jobs. We have environmental sponge and sponge-stick swabs for surfaces, carcasses and large areas. We have transport swabs with Amies medium for collecting and also for preserving isolates. We have boot and sock swabs for Salmonella monitoring in places like poultry houses. And we have plain or DNase/RNase-free rayon swabs for sampling and doing molecular work. We have sterile, pre-moistened and neutralising-buffer options available always.

What are inoculation loops and needles used for? Disposable or wire?

Inoculation loops and needles work by transferring and streaking microorganisms onto plates or into broths. Disposable plastic loops (usually 1µl and 10µl) are pre-sterilised. They are also single-use and get rid of the need for flaming. It’s really ideal for speed and consistency. Reusable nichrome or platinum wire loops are flamed between uses. They are very much suited to repeated work. Ocon Chemicals stocks both of them. We also supply spreaders and inoculating needles.

Why source microbiology supplies from Ocon Chemicals?

Ocon Chemicals is an Irish, family-run laboratory supplier since 1981. We supply microbiology and food-safety labs with things like culture media, agars, selective supplements, swabs, rapid tests and ATP monitoring. All from trusted brands. We hold dependable stock. We ship nationwide. And we offer quotes for bulk supply. It’s all backed by ISO 9001-accredited and REACH-compliance. We have years of knowledgeable and local expertise to support you and help you match specifications and methods.