A nutrient medium in which, with the addition of bile salts No2, enterococci also grow (in addition to enterobacteria). Gram-negative enterobacteria that ferment lactose produce red or pink colonies. Bile salts No 2 and crystal violet inhibit the growth of gram-positive cocci except Enterococcus. The neutral red indicator changes color with lactose breakdown. Streak the plates using the isolated colony technique. Incubate at 35-37°C for 24 hours under aerobic conditions. In the medium, enterococci grow in 36-48 hours and will show small intensely red colonies with a lighter-colored periphery, approximately 1mm in diameter. Non-lactose-fermenting microbes appear colorless.