Lauryl Sulfate Broth is used for the detection of coliform bacteria in water and wastewater in a laboratory setting. Lauryl Sulfate Broth is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans.

The coliform group of bacteria includes aerobic and facultative anaerobic, Gram-negative, non-sporeforming bacilli that ferment lactose and form acid and gas at 35°C within 48 hours. Members of the Enterobacteriacae comprise the majority of this group, but organisms such as Aeromonas spp. may also be included. Procedures to detect and confirm coliforms are used in testing water, foods, dairy products, and other materials.

Lauryl Sulfate Broth, also referred to as Lauryl Tryptose Broth, is prepared according to the formula of Mallmann and Darby. During their investigation, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate produced the best results for inhibition of organisms other than coliforms. Lauryl Sulfate Broth, abbreviated as LSB, is used in the presumptive phase of the Standard Total Coliform Fermentation Technique in the examination of water, and coliform detection of foods.