Optical Density Measurement

Optical Density (OD) measurement refers to quantifying how much a sample absorbs or blocks light passing through it. This is commonly used in laboratories to assess the concentration of substances like bacteria or chemicals. A higher OD indicates more light absorption, implying a higher concentration of the substance. The measurement is typically taken using a spectrophotometer, which shines a specific light through the sample and detects how much is transmitted. OD provides a standardized way to compare sample levels, helping scientists determine growth rates, purity, or concentration efficiently and accurately.