XLD Agar (Xylose Lysine Desoxycholate Agar) is used mainly for isolating and differentiating Gram-negative enteric bacilli, particularly Shigella and Salmonella. It has been shown to be more effective than other enteric differential media. The reactions that take place are the degradation of the three fermentable carbohydrates: xylose, lactose, and sucrose, with the production of acid, manifested in the colour change from red to yellow. Sodium thiosulfate serves as a reactive substance, with Ferric ammonium citrate as an indicator of the formation of hydrogen sulphide under alkaline conditions. Lysine allows the Salmonella group to be differentiated from the non-pathogens since, without it, salmonellae would quickly ferment the xylose and be indistinguishable from non-pathogenic species. Once the salmonellae consume the xylose, lysine is attacked via the enzyme, lysine decarboxylase, with a reversion to an alkaline pH which is like the Shigella reaction.

The bacteria that decarboxylate the L-Lysine to cadaverine are identified by the presence of a purple red colour around the colonies due to the elevation of the pH. Phenol red is the pH indicator and yeast extract is the source of vitamins, particularly of the B-group essential for bacterial growth. Sodium chloride supplies essential electrolytes for transport and osmotic balance. Sodium deoxycholate is the selective agent inhibiting Gram-positive microorganisms and bacteriological Agar is the solidifying agent. The European Pharmacopoeia, USP recommends this media for: "Microbiological examination of non-sterile products: Test for specified microorganisms" for the testing of Salmonella in products.