Aerobic Bacteria

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Background:  The Aerobic Plate Count (APC) is used to determine total aerobic bacterial populations in a sample.

It is also called the aerobic colony count, standard plate count, Mesophilic count or Total Plate Count.

At the traditional incubation temperature of 35°C, the assay will detect all bacteria which grow and thrive aerobically at mesophlic temperatures (a moderate temperature range between 20°C and 45°C).


Method

Media

Turn Around Time

Sample Required

Type of Test

Reportable Units

Detection Limit

Related Resource

AOAC 990.12-3M Petrifilm ISO Accredited

3M Petrifilm equivalent to Standard Method Agar

2 Business Days

10 to 100 g or mL or 1 swab

Quantitative Plate Count Analysis

CFU per gram or CFU per mL or CFU per cm2 depending on original sample matrix

<10 CFU/g or <1 CFU/mL or <0.1 CFU/cm2 depending on original sample matrix

The Aerobic Plate Count (APC)


Analysis Description:  The 3M Petrifilm Aerobic Count Plate is a ready-made culture medium system that contains Standard Methods nutrients, a cold-water-soluble gelling agent and an indicator that facilitates colony enumeration.  3M Petrifilm AC Plates are used for the enumeration of aerobic bacteria.

The sample is diluted with a buffer, blended, and an extracted amount is plated on the Petrifilm, many times in a serial dilution format.  Inoculated Petrifilm are incubated at 35°C for 48 hours.