Stuart Transport media were originally designed by Stuart while studying Gonococci (1). Stuart et al (2) later on modified the Stuart Medium for the transportation of gonococcal specimens for culturing. Ringertz included thioglycollate in the Stuart Medium and omitted charcoal (3). This medium may be used for the transportation of many fastidious organisms including the anaerobes by maintaining organism's viability without significant multiplication (4). Crooks and Stuart (5) suggested the addition of Polymyxin B sulphate which facilitates the recovery of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
This medium is chemically defined, semisolid, non-nutrient medium which prevent microbial proliferation. Because of it composition the medium ensures that microorganisms present are able to survive for a sufficiently long period of time. The medium provides adequate degree of anaerobiosis. Prepared sterile medium will undergo a slight degree of oxidation at the upper periphery of the medium. Calcium chloride alongwith sodium glycerophosphate act as good buffering agent and also maintains osmotic equilibrium in the medium.
Directions: Suspend 14 grams in 1000 ml double distilled water. Heat to boiling to dissolve the medium completely. Dispense into tubes with screw caps to give a depth of approximately 7 cm. Sterilize by autoclaving at 15 lbs pressure (121°C) for 15 minutes and after sterilization, tighten the caps. Cool the tubes immediately in an upright position. Care should be taken that the water is free from chlorine.