The potential of tofu pulp waste as an alternative transport medium for vaginal swabs and wound samples
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61511/ajteoh.v3i2.2026.3615Keywords:
tofu pulp waste, alternative transport medium, microbial viabilityAbstract
Background: Transport media are essential for preserving specimen integrity and maintaining microorganism viability during delays between collection and laboratory testing. Conventional transport media are often expensive, powder-based, and have limited shelf life after preparation, creating barriers in resource-limited settings. Tofu pulp waste, a nutrient-rich by-product containing fiber, protein, and minerals, may support bacterial survival while also reducing food waste. Methods: This laboratory-based experimental study assessed tofu pulp waste as an alternative transport medium for vaginal swabs collected at Mandala Rangkasbitung Community Health Center and infected wound swabs collected at Dr. Adjidarmo Rangkasbitung Regional General Hospital. The study was conducted at the Integrated Microbiology Laboratory of the Banten Ministry of Health Polytechnic, using purposive sampling. Specimens were transported in tofu pulp waste medium (intervention) or standard Amies medium (control) and then subjected to microscopy, bacterial culture, and Gram staining. Effectiveness was evaluated by comparing bacterial viability and recovery between media. Findings: The tofu pulp waste medium maintained microorganism viability in both specimen types. Culture and microscopy identified Gram-negative bacteria in wound swabs, including Citrobacter freundii and Proteus mirabilis, and showed normal vaginal flora and clue cells in vaginal swabs. Overall recovery patterns were comparable to those obtained using Amies medium. Conclusion: Tofu pulp waste has strong potential as a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative transport medium that preserves bacterial stability until laboratory analysis. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article provides a new contribution to the field of clinical microbiology by demonstrating that tofu residue, a nutrient-rich byproduct of the food industry, can serve as an effective and stable bacterial transport medium.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Richo Saputra, Safira Rakhma Khoirunnisa, Siti Azzahra , Syalwa Putri Anugrah , Dinda Risa Puspitasari , Venny Patricia
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