This test is to determine mesophilic bacteria and fungi that grow under aerobic conditions.

Different incubation temperature and media are required for the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Interpretation of Results

Test results can be interpreted as follows:

• Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC): Number of colony forming units (cfu) found using Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA).
• Total Combined Yeasts and Molds Count (TYMC): Number of cfu found using Saboraud Dextrose Agar (SDA).

Enumeration Methods

Methods used to enumerate the microbial content of a product include:

• Membrane Filtration Method: Uses filtration apparatus
• Plate Count Method (TPC): Involves direct plating
• Most-Probable-Number (MPN) Method: It is the least accurate method for micribial counts, however it can be the most appropriate method for certain products with very low bioburden.