Plate count is a method used to estimate the number of viable microorganisms in a sample by counting the number of colonies that grow on an agar plate. It is commonly used to assess microbial load in various substances.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Plate counts are often expressed as colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL).
Serial dilution is typically performed before plating to ensure colony counts fall within a countable range, usually 30-300 colonies per plate.
Incubation conditions, such as temperature and time, significantly affect the outcome of a plate count.
Selective media can be used in plate counts to isolate specific types of microorganisms.
Accuracy in pipetting and proper mixing during serial dilutions are critical for reliable results.
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Related terms
Serial Dilution: A stepwise dilution of a substance in solution to reduce its concentration.
Colony-Forming Unit (CFU): A unit used to estimate the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells in a sample.