Plate count

Plate count is a method used to estimate the number of viable microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, in a sample. This process involves spreading a diluted sample onto a nutrient-rich agar plate and incubating it to let microbes grow. After incubation, each visible colony formed represents a countable microorganism. By counting these colonies, scientists can gauge the level of microbial presence in the sample, which is critical for food safety, water quality testing, and research purposes. Plate count helps ensure that products are safe for consumption and meet health regulations.