This test demonstrates the ability of certain bacteria to decompose the amino acid tryptophan to indole, which accumulates in the medium. Isolated colony of the test organism was emulsified in tryptophan broth (peptone water) and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours in ambient air. 0.5 ml of Kovac's reagent was added to the broth culture down the side of the tube and observed for color change at meniscus. The development of a -red color (benzaldehyde reagents) within 20 seconds indicates the presence of indole. A negative test is colorless or slightly yellow.