Certified Reference Microorganisms

Vitroids™ and LENTICULE® discs contain viable microorganisms in a certified quantity (ISO 17025), produced under reproducible conditions (ISO Guide 34) with strains obtained from CECT®, NCTC and other collections. The discs consist of bacteria or fungi in a solid water-soluble matrix. Microorganisms in this form are stable for at least one year and are in a viable stage (no lag phase or recovery time). Merck provides two product lines of microbiology CRMs. The LENTICULE® discs are produced in partnership and under license from PHE with strains from NCTC and NCPF. The Vitroids™ are Merck′s own innovative development of discs containing CECT® strains. These discs contain defined certified colony forming units (CFUs) with a standard deviation and an expanded uncertainty. The product concentrations are designed in a range where no or only minimal dilution must be done. The discs dissolve in liquid media and on agar plates which mean easy handling and very economical solution.