Durham Tubes: Introduction, Various Sizes and Its Use in Microbiology
Durham’s tube Introduction
Durham tubes use in microbiology to detect the production of gas by microorganisms. The technique was first reported in 1898 by British microbiologist Herbert Durham.
Size of Durham tubes
They are smaller test tubes (5×35 mm or 4×40 mm) inserted upside down in another large test tube.
Use of Durham tubes
This small tube is initially filled with the solution in which the microorganisms are to be grown. When the gas produces after inoculation and incubation, visible gas bubbles will be trapped inside the small test tube. The initial air gap achieved when the tube is inserted upside down is lost during sterilization, usually performed at 121 °C for 15 minutes.
Further Readings
- Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology. Editors: Bettey A. Forbes, Daniel F. Sahm & Alice S. Weissfeld, 12th ed 2007, Publisher Elsevier.
- Clinical Microbiology Procedure Handbook Vol. I & II, Chief in editor H.D. Isenberg, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Publisher ASM (American Society for Microbiology), Washington DC.
- Colour Atlas and Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology. Editors: Koneman E.W., Allen D.D., Dowell V.R. Jr and Sommers H.M.
- Cowan & Steel’s Manual for identification of Medical Bacteria. Editors: G.I. Barron & R.K. Felthani, 3rd ed 1993, Publisher Cambridge University Press.
- Jawetz, Melnick and Adelberg’s Medical Microbiology. Editors: Geo. F. Brook, Janet S. Butel & Stephen A. Morse, 21st ed 1998, Publisher Appleton & Lance, Co Stamford Connecticut.
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