A medium recommended by the Harmonised European Pharmacopoeia for the isolation and identification of Candida albicans from non-sterile pharmaceutical samples.
Conforms to USP/EP/JP performance specification. The medium is commonly abbreviated to SDA. The medium is also used for the preparation and maintenance of fungal test strains as described by the Harmonised European Pharmacopoeia. The peptone digests and dextrose provide a nutritious base for luxuriant fungal growth and the acidic pH affords selectivity against bacteria. Due to the high carbohydrate content and low pH this medium is highly sensitive to overheating, which will cause a drop in the gel strength. According to the Harmonised European Pharmacopoeia, Sabouraud Dextrose Broth is used as an enrichment broth, with subculture performed onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar.