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Date: March 1, 2000 TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-005

3M Petrifilm Aerobic Count Plate Liquifiers

TM TM

A few species of bacteria liquify the gel in 3MTM PetrifilmTM Aerobic Count plates. This phenomenon is similar to spreader organisms on agar plates. As the liquifier organisms digest the gel, the gel turns to liquid causing red indicator dye to flow into the affected area and making the affected area appear pink. Because the spreading organism can obscure other colonies in the same area, we recommend that you determine the average count in a few unaffected squares and then estimate the total count. Some additional techniques that may be helpful in dealing with liquifiers include: s Dilute further. Additionals dilutions have been successful in reducing the effect of liquifiers. s Check plates sooner. Try getting an estimated count before the liquifiers make the plate unreadable. Check and record the plate count at 24 or 36 hours as well as the recommended 48 hour count. If the count is unreadable at 48 hours, at least you will have an estimated count from the earlier read. s Incubate in shorter stacks. Rather than stacks of 20, try stacks of 5-10. s Incubate at cooler temperature. Try incubating at a lower temperature, such as 30C or 32C. s Use the Petrifilm Yeast & Mold Count plate spreader. Try using Petrifilm Yeast & Mold Count plate spreader. This spreads the inoculum over a larger area (30 sq. cm vs. 20 sq. cm).

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Faxable Doc 0308 1 Pg March 2000