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Aerobic Plate Count
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Quick understanding about test
Aerobic Plate Count - Measurement of Mesophilic Aerobic Bacteria in a given sample
The Aerobic Plate Count (APC) test estimates the number of viable mesophilic aerobic bacteria in a given sample using the plate count method.
The test applies to various sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and cosmetics.
- Mesophilic aerobic bacteria are the target strains tested.
- The test involves preparing and homogenizing the sample, serially diluting it, and plating it on an agar medium. The plates are incubated, after which bacterial colonies are counted to measure the viable aerobic bacteria in the sample.
- Detects and quantifies bacterial contamination.
- Builds trust through verified safety claims.
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Abstract
The Aerobic Plate Count (APC) is a widely used microbiological technique to determine the number of viable aerobic microorganisms present in a sample. Also referred to as the standard plate count, aerobic mesophilic count, total plate count, or aerobic colony count, this method plays a critical role in validating product quality across various industries.
APC testing acts as a contamination indicator. In the food industry, APC is used to detect microbial contamination that could compromise safety, shelf life, and overall product integrity. Aerobic Plate Count for Cosmetics and personal care industry ensures products are free from harmful levels of bacteria, protecting consumers from skin infections and other health risks. Aerobic Plate Count (APC) for pharmaceuticals is essential to verify sterility, ensure safe manufacturing processes, and maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Globally, regulatory bodies, including the U.S. FDA and European authorities, often require aerobic plate count data as part of routine quality control and product approval processes.
Aerobic Plate Count Test Method
- Test samples are prepared based on the type of food products (frozen, chilled, pre-cooked, or prepared foods) or cosmetics products (Liquids, Solids and powders, cream and oil-based products, Aerosol of powders, soap, liquids, and other materials, Anhydrous materials).
- A homogenized solution containing the test sample is serially diluted 10 times (10-1 to 10-10).
- 0.1 ml of each dilution is transferred and plated on different Petri dishes containing agar growth medium.
- Plates are incubated at 35ยฐC ยฑ 1ยฐC for 48 ยฑ 2 hours.
- After incubation, the plates are examined for the presence of aerobic bacteria.
Importance of Aerobic Plate Count (APC) Test
The APC test is a key quality assurance tool that helps demonstrate product safety, maintain brand credibility, and achieve regulatory compliance. It provides early detection of microbial contamination, reducing the risk of recalls or product failures. By identifying spoilage organisms, the test also supports longer shelf life and consistent product performance. Most importantly, APC results are often required by regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EU authorities, making it an essential step in launching and maintaining products in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics markets.
Pros of Aerobic Plate Count (APC) Test
1.Simple and cost-effective
2. Quantitative data
3. Broad application
Applicable to a wide range of product types including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food and water samples.
4. Hygiene assessment
5. Regulatory compliance
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we specialize in advanced microbiological testing to help companies meet global safety and regulatory standards. We provide Aerobic Plate Count testing with precise, dependable results that strengthen product development, ensure quality, and keep you compliant with global standards.
Whether youโre launching a new cosmetic, ensuring the sterility of a pharmaceutical product, or validating the safety of a food item, our expert team delivers the scientific insights you need.
For more information or to request a quote, get in touch with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
Aerobic Plate Count (APC), also known as Total Plate Count (TPC) or Standard Plate Count (SPC), is a microbiological test that estimates the number of viable aerobic bacteria in a sample.
The Aerobic Plate Count test applies to various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and cosmetics.
The Aerobic Plate Count test takes one week to complete.
The Aerobic Plate Count for Cosmetics industry as it detects microbial contamination that could compromise product safety and consumer health. It also helps meet FDA and EU regulatory requirements for microbiological quality in cosmetics.
Aerobic incubation refers to the process of incubating a sample in the presence of oxygen. It is used in microbiological testing to culture and count aerobic bacteria.
Microbial count refers to the enumeration of microorganisms in a sample. This can include bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.
Aerobic Plate Count indicates the level of contamination by aerobic bacteria in a sample. High APC values suggest higher levels of microbial activity.
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