Plate Count Agar (PCA), also known as Standard Methods Agar, is a general-purpose microbiological growth medium widely used for the isolation and enumeration of viable microorganisms in food, dairy, water, pharmaceutical, and environmental samples. It provides a balanced nutrient base that supports the growth of a wide variety of bacteria, making it one of the most commonly used media for microbial quality testing.

Composition & Characteristics

The formulation of PCA provides essential nutrients for bacterial growth:

• Casein Enzymic Hydrolysate: Supplies amino acids and nitrogenous compounds.
• Yeast Extract: Provides vitamins, particularly B-complex vitamins.
• Dextrose (Glucose): Energy source for microbial metabolism.
• Agar Base: Solidifying agent for plate preparation.

The medium appears light yellow to pale cream after preparation and forms a firm gel that supports microbial colony development.

Key Features

• General-Purpose Medium: Suitable for a broad spectrum of heterotrophic bacteria.
• Reliable & Standardised: Widely accepted in microbiological testing protocols worldwide.
• Accurate Enumeration: Ideal for colony count methods including pour plate and spread plate techniques.
• Versatile Applications: Used in quality control, research, and industrial microbiology.
• Easy to Prepare: Available as dehydrated powder, ready for quick preparation.

Applications of Plate Count Agar

• Food & Beverage Industry: Total viable count (TVC) testing in milk, meat, fish, beverages, and processed foods.
• Water Testing: Enumeration of bacteria in drinking water, wastewater, and bottled water.
• Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Industry: Microbial limit testing of raw materials and finished products.
• Environmental Monitoring: Detection of microbial load in air, soil, and surfaces.
• Research & Education: Standard medium in microbiology teaching laboratories.

Preparation Method

• Suspend the recommended amount of PCA powder in distilled water.
• Heat gently until dissolved.
• Sterilise by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes.
• Pour into sterile Petri dishes and allow to solidify.
• Inoculate samples using pour plate or spread plate methods.
• Incubate under the required conditions for colony growth and enumeration.

Why Use Plate Count Agar?

• Ensures accurate microbial counts for quality assurance.
• Recommended in ISO, APHA, and pharmacopoeia standards.
• Provides reliable, reproducible results across different applications.
• Essential for routine microbiological testing in industries and laboratories.

Availability in Bangladesh

At Labtex Bangladesh (Labtexbd.com), we supply high-quality Plate Count Agar (PCA) in dehydrated powder form, suitable for laboratories, research centres, food industries, and educational institutions. Our PCA is sourced from trusted international brands, ensuring accuracy, sterility, and cost-effectiveness for microbiological testing.

✅ Order Plate Count Agar today from Labtex Bangladesh and ensure reliable microbial enumeration for food, water, and industrial testing.