Used in microbiology laboratories to selectively enrich and isolate Staphylococcus species from mixed samples. It supports the growth of staphylococci while inhibiting competing bacteria through selective agents like sodium azide or antibiotics. Commonly used in food safety testing, clinical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring to detect pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. Often serves as a pre-enrichment step before plating on selective agar for confirmation.