IMViC

The IMViC test is a microbiological process to differentiate Escherichia coli from other Enterobacteriaceae. This is

• I for the indole test for indole production
• M for the methyl red test for the detection of acid formation
• V for the Voges - Proskauer test on Acetoinbildung
• I is a padding for better pronouncing
• C for the test at Citratverwertung.

The method is mainly used for drinking water analysis applies as Escherichia coli is a faecal indicator, but must be distinguished from other Enterobacteriaceae. Microbiological companies have developed test strips that include all four IMViC tests, so that they can be carried out by untrained personnel. After inoculation and subsequent incubation only the discoloration of the individual test fields must be read.

The test for recovery of citrate as the sole energy source is performed by cultivation on a culture medium which contains only as an energy source citrate. Is included in the medium as a suitable acid - base indicator bromothymol blue, that's green at moderate pH and those with a positive test result due to the acid consumption and the alkalization of the medium is blue.

The classic IMViC test is currently mostly supplemented by further investigations in the framework of a so-called Colorful row. Are usual tests for hydrogen sulfide formation, starch utilization, urea recycling, hydrolases, decarboxylases and the clotting of the blood serum.

The test can be combined with the Eijkman test in order to obtain faster, among other intermediate results.