Used in microbiology laboratories for the enumeration and detection of coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli in water, food, and beverage samples. It supports the growth of coliforms while inhibiting gram-positive bacteria and non-coliform organisms due to selective agents. Colonies of coliforms typically appear as red or pink due to lactose fermentation, while E. coli can be confirmed through additional tests such as fluorescence under UV light. The medium is especially useful for routine water quality testing, providing rapid and reliable results within 24 hours. Its formulation allows for membrane filtration techniques, making it ideal for samples with low microbial loads.