Used in microbiology for the detection and differentiation of coliform bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli, in water, food, and dairy samples. The medium supports the growth of lactose-fermenting organisms, which produce acid and result in color changes due to the pH indicator. TTC (triphenyltetrazolium chloride) is reduced by metabolically active bacteria to form red colonies, making it easier to distinguish between different bacterial species. Commonly used in quality control testing to assess microbial contamination in environmental and food industry settings.