Description
Plate Count Agar (PCA) is a standardized microbiological culture medium designed for the enumeration of viable microorganisms in various samples, including water, sewage, food, feces, and other materials. It is widely used in clinical laboratories, environmental testing, food quality control, and industrial microbiology.
This medium provides essential nutrients to support the growth of a broad range of bacteria. Pancreatic digest of casein supplies amino acids and complex nitrogenous compounds, while yeast extract provides B-complex vitamins to promote robust bacterial growth. Dextrose serves as an energy source, and agar acts as the solidifying agent.
Plate Count Agar is formulated in accordance with recommendations from APHA, PHLS, and ISO standards for total microbial plate count. It supports the standard pour plate technique, which delivers more accurate and higher recovery rates compared to surface inoculation methods. It is also suitable for monitoring bacterial counts in sterile rooms and controlled environments.
Specifications
- Packing: 250g / 500g
- Form: Dehydrated, free-flowing yellowish powder
- Prepared medium: Yellowish transparent gel
- Final pH: 7.0 ± 0.2 at 25°C
Formula (per liter)
- Pancreatic digest of casein: 5.0 g
- Yeast extract: 2.5 g
- Dextrose: 1.0 g
- Agar: 15.0 g
Directions
- Suspend 23.5g of medium in 1 liter of deionized or distilled water.
- Mix thoroughly and heat with frequent agitation until boiling.
- Boil for 1 minute to completely dissolve the medium.
- Dispense into tubes or flasks.
- Sterilize in an autoclave at 121°C (15 lbs) for 15 minutes.
Applications
- Enumeration of microorganisms in water, sewage, feces, and food samples
- Total bacterial count testing
- Sterile room environmental monitoring
- General bacterial cultivation
Precautions
- For laboratory and industrial use only.
- Do not use if the product is expired, caked, or discolored.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store dehydrated medium tightly sealed in original packaging at 5–30°C.
- Shelf life: 3 years from manufacturing date.
- Prepared medium: Store at 2–8°C, away from direct light.
Quality Control
Cultural characteristics are evaluated after incubation at 35–37°C for 18–48 hours.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.