TSI COLLEGE READINESS ASSESSMENT
2026 READING WRITING AND MATH
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE AND SOLUTIONS
◉ What is a TSI (Triple Sugar Iron) Test also referred to as?
Answer: Kligers Iron Test
◉ What does a TSI Test, test for?
Answer: Bacteria's ability to:
-Ferment glucose and lactose/sucrose
-Produce gas
-Reduce Sulfur
◉ What are the ingredients of this media?
Answer: Glucose, Sucrose, and Lactose
◉ What is the ratio of Glucose, Sucrose, and Lactose in this media?
Answer: 1:10:10
◉ What is the sulfur source in a TSI Test?
, Answer: Sodium Thiosulfate
◉ What is the fermentation indicator in a TSI Test?
Answer: Phenol Red
◉ What is the hydrogen sulfide indicator in a TSI Test?
Answer: Ferrous Sulfate
◉ What are the 2 steps to inoculating this media?
Answer: 1.) Stab the butt
2.) Fishtail the slant
◉ In the Fermentation of sugars portion of a TSI test, which sugar is
limited, and why?
Answer: Glucose, because it is bacteria's primary source of carbon
◉ Which sugar will bacteria always try to ferment first?
Answer: Glucose
◉ If ONLY glucose is fermented, what color will the slant and butt
be?
Answer: Red slant, Yellow butt
2026 READING WRITING AND MATH
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE AND SOLUTIONS
◉ What is a TSI (Triple Sugar Iron) Test also referred to as?
Answer: Kligers Iron Test
◉ What does a TSI Test, test for?
Answer: Bacteria's ability to:
-Ferment glucose and lactose/sucrose
-Produce gas
-Reduce Sulfur
◉ What are the ingredients of this media?
Answer: Glucose, Sucrose, and Lactose
◉ What is the ratio of Glucose, Sucrose, and Lactose in this media?
Answer: 1:10:10
◉ What is the sulfur source in a TSI Test?
, Answer: Sodium Thiosulfate
◉ What is the fermentation indicator in a TSI Test?
Answer: Phenol Red
◉ What is the hydrogen sulfide indicator in a TSI Test?
Answer: Ferrous Sulfate
◉ What are the 2 steps to inoculating this media?
Answer: 1.) Stab the butt
2.) Fishtail the slant
◉ In the Fermentation of sugars portion of a TSI test, which sugar is
limited, and why?
Answer: Glucose, because it is bacteria's primary source of carbon
◉ Which sugar will bacteria always try to ferment first?
Answer: Glucose
◉ If ONLY glucose is fermented, what color will the slant and butt
be?
Answer: Red slant, Yellow butt