Used primarily in microbiological laboratories for the cultivation and isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. Supports the growth of slow-growing mycobacteria by providing essential nutrients and inhibits the growth of contaminating organisms when supplemented with selective agents. Commonly used in diagnostic settings for sputum and clinical specimen processing to confirm TB infection. Also utilized in drug susceptibility testing and research studies involving mycobacterial physiology and metabolism.