Potassium cyanide medium test procedure (KCN test) microbiology

The potassium cyanide medium test (KCN test) is a microbiological test used to identify bacteria that can grow in the presence of potassium cyanide. The test is based on the fact that some bacteria are capable of utilizing KCN as a sole source of nitrogen.

Potassium cyanide medium test Reagent (KCN test)

Following are the reagent of KCN test.

• Inoculating loop
• KCN medium
• Sterile distilled water
• Bacterial culture

Potassium cyanide medium test procedure

Following is the procedure of potassium cyanide medium test.

1. Start by preparing the KCN medium according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Using a sterile inoculating loop, transfer a small amount of bacterial culture to the KCN medium.
3. Streak the bacterial culture onto the surface of the medium and incubate at the appropriate temperature and duration, typically between 24 to 48 hours.
4. Observe the KCN medium for growth of the bacterial culture. If the bacteria can utilize KCN as a sole source of nitrogen, it will grow on the medium.
5. Compare the growth of the bacterial culture on the KCN medium with growth on a control medium that does not contain KCN.

NOTE: KCN is a highly toxic substance, and precautions should be taken while handling it