A Rapid, Inexpensive Bacterial Count Technique using Agar Droplets

Abstract

Summary. A simple method is described for obtaining viable counts of aerobic bacteria. Dilutions are prepared in molten agar and colonies allowed to form in droplets (0·1 ml) of appropriate dilutions. Samples can be processed c. 3 times faster by this technique than with a standard pour plate method: it reduces costs, work and incubation time. Counts obtained with the droplets compare favourably with those obtained by pour plates.