RAPID' L. mono agar, developed by Bio-Rad Laboratories, is a chromogenic medium that will clearly differentiate L. monocytogenes from L. ivanovii and other Listeria species by a simple color change reaction, within 24 hours after pre-enrichment.

Identification is based on the specific detection of phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C (PIPLC) activity, resulting in a blue colony, and the inability of L. monocytogenes to metabolize xylose, resulting in the absence of a yellow halo.

RAPID´ L. mono agar has been approved by AFNOR, AOAC, MFHPB(Canada) and has been submitted for NordVal approval. This chromogenic medium is also recommended by FDA/BAM.