Explain the Quantitative Techniques?

Now that we are well-versed with the techniques involved in preparing and maintaining cultures, it is also important for us to learn how to evaluate the growth of microbial culture i.e., how to determine microbial number in a given sample. This is done through quantitative techniques, which is the focus of this practical. The direct and indirect methods of microbial estimation are highlighted in this practical.

Objectives

After studying this practical and conducting the activities given herewith, you will be able to:  

• Discuss the different methods used for microbial estimation,
• Enumerate the number of bacteria or other microbes in a given sample,
• Differentiate between viable count and total count of microbes,
• Evaluate the growth of the given microbial culture, and
• Estimate the amount of bacteria by performing spread and pour plate techniques and serial dilution.