[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fxLN3MUwXCdr5RPjwZYIDpOj8CHyjOmngWTgoKXPtZbg":3,"$fKk-Wu6BcD8ZH0jPvVt2TNi9Yh-WR1FTubYkjAzEtdC8":32,"$f3Ft0rKFJHppdzE-vuveecxx1BUcg9iOlMLtyzf_MJDg":47},[4,8,12,16,20,24,28],{"title":5,"slug":6,"path":7},"About Microbeonline.com","about-microbeonline-com","\u002Fabout-microbeonline-com\u002F",{"title":9,"slug":10,"path":11},"About Me","about-me","\u002Fabout-microbeonline-com\u002Fabout-me\u002F",{"title":13,"slug":14,"path":15},"Advertise with Us","advertise-us","\u002Fadvertise-us\u002F",{"title":17,"slug":18,"path":19},"Privacy Policy","privacy-policy","\u002Fprivacy-policy\u002F",{"title":21,"slug":22,"path":23},"Abbreviations","abbreviations","\u002Fabbreviations\u002F",{"title":25,"slug":26,"path":27},"Microbes","microbes","\u002Fmicrobes\u002F",{"title":29,"slug":30,"path":31},"Books","recommended-books","\u002Frecommended-books\u002F",{"type":33,"data":34},"blog",{"slug":35,"title":36,"description":36,"seoTitle":37,"seoDescription":37,"author":38,"createdDate":39,"lastUpdatedDate":40,"draft":41,"category":42,"image":37,"body":43,"faq":44,"tags":45,"related":46},"api-for-microbial-identification","API and RAPID ID For Microbial Identification",null,"Acharya Tankeshwar","2022-05-14","2025-12-29",false,"biochemical-tests","BioMérieux’s API (Analytical Profile Index) identification products are test kits for the identification of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and yeast. The kits include strips that contain up to 20 miniature biochemical tests with a long shelf life.\n\n![(Analytical Profile Index) API 20 E Test System](https:\u002F\u002Fassets.microbeonline.com\u002Fblogs\u002Fapi-20-e-test.jpg)Figure: (Analytical Profile Index) API 20 E Test System\n\nIt is one of the well-established methods for the identification of microorganisms up to the species level. The company runs [APIWEB](https:\u002F\u002Fapiweb.biomerieux.com\u002Flogin), where laboratories can input numerical profiles of the API strip results to obtain the organism identification. The software database enables reliable automated interpretation of API strip results which can be read on the screen and printed as per the need.\n\n## Identification System and Species Identified\n\n| Identification System | Species Identification |\n| --- | --- |\n| API 20 E | Gram-negative bacilli |\n| API 10 S | Gram-negative bacilli |\n| Rapid 20E | Enterobacteriaceae |\n| API 20 NE | Gram-negative non-Enterobacteriaceae |\n| API Staph | Staphylococci |\n| API 20 Strep | Streptococci |\n| API Candida | Yeasts |\n| API 20 C AUX | Yeasts |\n| API 20 A | Anaerobes |\n| API Coryne | Corynebacteria |\n| API Campy | Campylobacter |\n| API Listeria | Listeria |\n| API NH | Neisseria, Haemophilus |\n| API 50 CHE | Enterobacteriaceae |\n| API 50 CHL | Lactic bacteria |\n| API 50 CHB | Bacillus |\n| ID 32 E | Gram-negative bacilli |\n| Rapid ID 32 E | Enterobacteriaceae |\n| ID 32 GN | Gram-negative bacilli |\n| ID 32 STAPH | Staphylococci |\n| Rapid ID 32 STREP | Streptococci |\n| ID 32 C | Yeasts |\n| Rapid ID 32 A | Anaerobes |\n\n## API 20 A\n\nThe API 20 A system which consists of 20 microtubules containing dehydrated substrates. It enables 21 tests to be carried out quickly and easily for the biochemical identification of anaerobes. Other tests such as colonial and microscopic morphology, Gram stain, etc. should be performed. The results are used to confirm or complete the identification.\n\nThese microtubes are inoculated with a bacterial suspension which reconstitutes the media. During incubation, metabolism produces color changes that are either spontaneous or revealed by the addition of reagents. The reactions are read according to the reading table. The identification is obtained by referring to the analytical profile index (API) or using the identification software.\n\n## API 20 E\n\nAPI 20 E is a standardized identification system for Enterobacteriaceae and other non-fastidious, Gram-negative rods which uses 21 miniaturized biochemical tests and a database.\n\nThe API 20 E strip consists of 20 microtubes containing dehydrated substrates. These tests are inoculated with a bacterial suspension that reconstitutes the media. During incubation, metabolism produces color changes that are either spontaneous or revealed by the addition of reagents. The reactions are read according to the reading table. The identification is obtained by referring to the analytical profile index (api) or using the identification software.\n\n> Find detailed information about API 20 E in this post:API 20E Test System: Results and Interpretations\n\n## API 20 NE\n\nAPI 20 NE is a standardized system for the identification of non-fastidious, non-enteric Gram-negative rods (e.g. *Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, Moraxella, Vibrio, Aeromonas*, etc.) and a database. The API 20 NE strip consists of 20 microtubes (for 8 conventional tests and 12 assimilation tests) containing dehydrated substrates.\n\n1. The conventional tests are inoculated with a saline bacterial suspension which reconstitutes the media. During incubation, metabolism produces color changes that are either spontaneous or revealed by the addition of reagents.\n2. The assimilation tests are inoculated with a minimal medium. The bacteria grow if they are capable of utilizing the corresponding substrate.\n\nThe reactions are read according to the reading table. Then, the identification is obtained by referring to the analytical profile index (API) or using the identification software.\n\n## API 50 CHB\u002F CHE\n\nAPI 50 CHB\u002FE medium is used for the identification of *Bacillus* and related genera, as well as Gram-negative rods belonging to the *Enterobacteriaceae* and *Vibrionaceae* families. It is a ready-to-use medium that allows the fermentation of the 49 carbohydrates on the API 50 CH strip.\n\nA suspension is made in the medium with the microorganism to be tested and each tube of the strip is then inoculated with the suspension. During incubation, fermentation of carbohydrates is detected by the color change of the pH indicator. The results make up the biochemical profile which is used by the identification software to identify the strain. The [API 20 E strip](\u002Fapi-20e-test-system-introduction-procedure-results-interpretations\u002F) may be used in association with the API 50 CH strip to provide supplementary tests for *Enterobacteriaceae* and *Vibrionaceae.*\n\n![API (Analytical Profile Index) test methods for the identification of gram negative bacilli](https:\u002F\u002Fassets.microbeonline.com\u002Fblogs\u002FAPI-For-Gram-Negative-Bacilli.jpg)Figure: API (Analytical Profile Index) test methods for the identification of gram negative bacilli\n\n## API STAPH and ID 32 STAPH\n\nAPI Staph is a miniaturized biochemical test system for the identification of the genera *Staphylococcus and Micrococcus*. The API Staph strip consists of 20 microtubes containing dehydrated substrates. These microtubes are inoculated with a bacterial suspension, prepared in API Staph medium, that reconstitutes the tests.\n\nDuring incubation, metabolism produces color changes that are either spontaneous or revealed by the addition of reagents. The reactions are read according to the reading table and the organism is identified by referring to the analytical profile index or using the identification software.\n\n![API (Analytical Profile Index) test for the identification of gram positive cocci](https:\u002F\u002Fassets.microbeonline.com\u002Fblogs\u002FAPI-STAPH.png)Figure: API (Analytical Profile Index) test for the identification of gram positive cocci\n\n## API 20 STREP and Rapid ID 32 STREP\n\nAPI 20 Strep is a standardized system combining 20 biochemical tests for the identification of most streptococci and enterococci. The API 20 Strep strip consists of 20 microtubes containing dehydrated substrates for the demonstration of enzymatic activity or the fermentation of sugars.\n\n![API (Analytical Profile Index) 20 Strep Test - API 20 Strep test system](https:\u002F\u002Fassets.microbeonline.com\u002Fblogs\u002Fapi-20-strep-aerococcus-viridans-square.jpg)Figure: API 20 Strep test system\n\n- The enzymatic tests are inoculated with a dense suspension of organisms, made from a pure culture. This then used to reconstitute the enzymatic substrates. During incubation, metabolism produces color changes that are either spontaneous or revealed by the addition of reagents.\n- The fermentation tests are inoculated with an enriched medium that rehydrates the sugar substrates. Fermentation of carbohydrates is detected by a shift in the pH indicator.\n\nThe reactions are read according to the reading table and the identification is obtained by referring to the analytical profile index or using the identification software.\n\n## API (Analytical Profile Index) 20C AUX and ID 32 C\n\nAPI 20 C AUX and ID 32 C is used for the identification of *Candida, Cryptococcus, Geotrichum, Kloeckera, Pichia, Rhodoturela* and *Trichosporon*.\n\n![Identification of yeast by API test methods](https:\u002F\u002Fassets.microbeonline.com\u002Fblogs\u002FIdentification-of-yeast-by-API.png)Figure: Identification of yeast by API test methods\n\n## API CANDIDA\n\nAPI Candida is a standardized system for the identification of frequently encountered yeasts (*Candida*, *Cryptococcus, Saccharomyces*, and *Trichosporon*) in clinical microbiology. The API Candida strip consists of 10 tubes containing dehydrated substrates which enable testing of 12 sugar acidification or enzymatic reactions. The reactions produced during incubation are revealed by spontaneous color changes.\n\n## API (Analytical Profile Index) CAMPY\n\nAPI Campy is a standardized miniature test system for the identification of Campylobacter. The API Campy strip consists of 20 microtubes containing dehydrated substrates. It is made up of two parts.\n\n1. The first part of the strip (enzymatic and conventional tests) is inoculated with a **dense** suspension that rehydrates the substrates. During **incubation in aerobic conditions**, metabolism produces color changes that are either spontaneous or revealed by the addition of reagents.\n2. The second part of the strip (assimilation or inhibition tests) is inoculated with a minimal medium and **incubated in microaerophilic conditions**. The bacteria grow if they are capable of utilizing the corresponding substrate or if they are resistant to the antibiotic tested. The reactions are read according to the reading table.\n\nThe organism is identified using the identification profile list in the package insert or by using identification software.\n\n![API for the identification of Gram positive bacilli](https:\u002F\u002Fassets.microbeonline.com\u002Fblogs\u002FAPI-for-Gram-Positive-Bacilli-Updated-version.png)Figure: API for the identification of Gram positive bacilli\n\n## API (Analytical Profile Index) CHL\n\nAPI 50 CHL is a ready-to-use medium that allows fermentation of 49 carbohydrates and is used for the identification of the genus *Lactobacillus* and related genera.A suspension is made in the medium with the microorganism to be tested and each tube of the strip is then inoculated with the suspension. During incubation, the carbohydrates are fermented to acids which produce a decrease in the pH, detected by the change in color of the indicator. The results make up the biochemical profile which is used by the identification software to identify the strain.\n\n## API (Analytical Profile Index) Coryne\n\nAPI Coryne is a standardized miniature test system for the identification of *Corynebacterium* in 24 hours. It consists of 20 microtubes containing dehydrated substrates for the demonstration of enzymatic activity or the fermentation of carbohydrates.\n\n- The enzymatic tests are inoculated with a dense suspension of organisms, which reconstitutes the enzymatic substrates. During incubation, metabolism produces color changes that are either spontaneous or revealed by the addition of reagents.\n- The fermentation tests are inoculated with an enriched medium (containing a pH indicator) which reconstitutes the sugar substrates. Fermentation of carbohydrates results in acidification which is detected by a spontaneous color change in the pH indicator.\n\nThe reactions are read according to the reading table and the identification is obtained by referring to the analytical profile index (API) or using the identification software.\n\n## API Listeria\n\nAPI Listeria is a standardized miniature test system for the identification of *Listeria*. The API Listeria strip consists of 10 microtubes containing dehydrated substrates which enable the performance of enzymatic tests or sugar fermentations.\n\nDuring incubation, metabolism produces color changes that are either spontaneous or revealed by the addition of reagents. The reactions are read according to the reading table and the identification is obtained by consulting the profile list in the package insert or using the identification software.\n\n## API NH\n\nAPI NH is a standardized miniature system for the identification of *Neisseria*, Haemophilus (and related general and \\*Moraxella catarrhalis (Branhamella catarrhalis)\\*using a specially adapted database.\n\nThe API NH strip consists of 10 microtubes containing dehydrated substrates, which enable the performance of 12 identification tests (enzymatic reactions or sugar fermentation), as well as the detection of a penicillinase. API NH also enables the biotyping of *Haemophilus influenzae*and *Haemophilus parainfluenzae.*\n\n![Gram negative cocci API NH](https:\u002F\u002Fassets.microbeonline.com\u002Fblogs\u002Fgram-negative-cocci-api-nh.png)Figure: Gram negative cocci API NH\n\nFor more information please visit [BioMérieux’s API identification](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.biomerieux-usa.com\u002Fclinical\u002Fapi)",[],[],[],[48,54,61,66,70,74,79,84,88,92],{"slug":49,"name":38,"description":50,"image":51,"body":52,"postCount":53},"acharya-tankeshwar","Editor-in-chief","https:\u002F\u002Fassets.microbeonline.com\u002Fauthors\u002Ftankeshwar-acharya-author-microbeonline.jpg","***Tankeshwar Acharya, MSc (Medical Microbiology)***\n\n*Tankeshwar Acharya is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Nepal, where he has been teaching and practicing clinical microbiology for over 14 years. He is the founder of Microbe Online, one of the leading free microbiology education resources on the web, covering bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, immunology, and clinical laboratory diagnostics written from direct experience in both the classroom and the diagnostic laboratory.*",433,{"slug":55,"name":56,"description":57,"image":58,"body":59,"postCount":60},"ashma-shrestha","Ashma Shrestha","SEO Copywriter and Science Communicator\nKathmandu, Nepal","https:\u002F\u002Fassets.microbeonline.com\u002Fauthors\u002Fashma-shrestha.png","Ashma Shrestha holds a Master of Science in Medical Microbiology from the Institute of Science and Technology (IOST), Tribhuvan University, Nepal, where she developed a strong foundation in virology, molecular biology, and diagnostic microbiology.\n\nShe now works as an SEO Copywriter at Resolution Digital, where she combines her scientific training with research-driven content strategy. She is certified in Google Analytics and Google Business Profile (GBP), and brings a data-informed approach to science communication writing content that is not only accurate but structured to reach and serve the students who need it most.\n\nAt microbeonline, Ashma contributes articles primarily in virology and molecular biology, areas she finds most compelling for their mechanistic depth and their growing clinical relevance. Her writing reflects the same standard the site is built on: factual rigor, clear explanation of the *why* behind microbiology concepts, and content that helps students move from memorization to genuine understanding.\n\nShe is passionate about making complex microbiological concepts accessible without sacrificing accuracy; a skill that sits at the intersection of her scientific training and her professional work in content and SEO.",81,{"slug":62,"name":63,"description":64,"image":37,"body":37,"postCount":65},"sushmita-baniya","Sushmita Baniya","Author \u002F Contributor",32,{"slug":67,"name":68,"description":64,"image":37,"body":37,"postCount":69},"samikshya-acharya","Samikshya Acharya",20,{"slug":71,"name":72,"description":64,"image":37,"body":37,"postCount":73},"alisha-tripathi","Alisha Tripathi",6,{"slug":75,"name":76,"description":77,"image":37,"body":37,"postCount":78},"aastha-shrestha","Aastha Shrestha"," Author \u002F Contributor",9,{"slug":80,"name":81,"description":82,"image":37,"body":37,"postCount":83},"guest-author","Guest Author","Guest Author \u002F Contributor",2,{"slug":85,"name":86,"description":64,"image":37,"body":37,"postCount":87},"srijana-khanal","Srijana Khanal",18,{"slug":89,"name":90,"description":82,"image":37,"body":37,"postCount":91},"dr-poonam-acharya","Dr. Poonam Acharya",1,{"slug":93,"name":94,"description":64,"image":37,"body":95,"postCount":96},"nisha-rijal","Nisha Rijal","**Nisha Rijal** is a microbiologist and quality assurance specialist. She served for nearly 12 years as a microbiologist at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), Nepal's national reference laboratory, and continues to work as a consultant microbiologist in international public health organization. ",51]