Lab method
Motility test concept
Diffuse growth from the stab = motile
High-yield clue
Cloudy spreading away from the stab line indicates a motile, flagellated organism such as Proteus.
Overview
A semisolid-medium concept where organisms with flagella spread out from the inoculation stab, producing diffuse cloudiness rather than growth confined to the stab line.
Classification
- Semisolid motility medium concept
- Detects flagellar motility
- Often paired with indole (SIM)
Lab & identification clues
- Diffuse haze from stab = motile
- Growth only along stab = non-motile
- SIM medium combines sulfide, indole, motility
- Tetrazolium/TTC can highlight growth
Associations
- Proteus swarming study vocabulary
- Klebsiella is a non-motile contrast
- Flagella and identification framing
Commonly confused with
- TSI agar
- Triple sugar iron agar
Frequently asked questions
What is Motility test concept?
A semisolid-medium concept where organisms with flagella spread out from the inoculation stab, producing diffuse cloudiness rather than growth confined to the stab line.
What is the high-yield clue for Motility test concept?
Cloudy spreading away from the stab line indicates a motile, flagellated organism such as Proteus.
What is Motility test concept associated with?
Motility test concept is associated with Proteus swarming study vocabulary, Klebsiella is a non-motile contrast, and Flagella and identification framing.
What is Motility test concept commonly confused with?
Motility test concept is commonly confused with TSI agar and Triple sugar iron agar.
Original concept summary for coursework. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e and NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology; reviewed 2026-06. Describes vocabulary and interpretation concepts only; not a lab protocol and not for handling specimens or identifying patient isolates.