Gardnerella Vaginalis Q. Why does V Agar have such a short outdate?
A. V Agar which contains 5% human blood is very prone to spontaneous hemolysis. It is made with expired units of blood bank blood. The cells in each unit may vary in their ability to remain intact in the agar. This is why this product is given only a six week shelf-life. The units of blood have been thoroughly tested, and found to be negative for HIV antibody, RPR, and hepatitis B surface antigen. However, biohazard precautions should be exercised, as with all blood products and specimens. Autoclave all units before disposal. Remember that G. vaginalis will produce only a faint beta-hemolysis on this medium, which can take up to 48 hours of incubation. Incubation must be in a CO2 atmosphere to stimulate growth and beta-hemolysis.
