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Plate Count Skim Milk Agar
Catalogue No.: AS-1329
www.ausamics.com.au
Overview
Plate Count Skim Milk Agar (PCSMA) is the international reference solid medium for enumeration of total aerobic mesophilic microorganisms in milk, cream, whey, butter, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products. It is the mandatory medium in ISO 4833-1:2013 (pour-plate technique) and IDF Standard 100B:1991 when milk solids are required for optimal recovery of injured dairy organisms.
The inclusion of 10% skimmed milk powder provides natural growth factors, casein, lactose, and vitamins that significantly enhance recovery of heat-stressed and freeze-stressed cells compared to standard Plate Count Agar (PCA). The medium remains transparent after autoclaving, facilitating easy and accurate colony counting.
Applications
- Total viable aerobic count (TVC/TAC) in raw milk, pasteurised milk, UHT milk, milk powder, and fermented milks
- Official method — ISO 4833-1:2013 pour-plate technique
- Reference method — IDF Standard 100B:1991 / FIL/IDF
- Preferred over standard PCA for superior recovery of stressed dairy flora
- Enumeration in cream, whey, butter, cheese, and ice cream
Key Features
- Skim-milk powder (10%) — natural growth factors, casein, lactose, and vitamins
- Significantly higher counts than standard PCA for stressed dairy organisms
- Transparent medium — precise, unambiguous colony counting
- Compliant with ISO 4833-1:2013 and IDF Standard 100B:1991
Composition (per litre)
| Ingredient | g/L |
|---|---|
| Tryptone (Pancreatic Digest of Casein) | 5.0 |
| Yeast Extract | 2.5 |
| Glucose (Dextrose) | 1.0 |
| Skimmed Milk Powder (heat-treated) | 100.0 |
| Agar | 12.0–15.0 |
Final pH: 7.0 ± 0.2 at 25 °C
Storage
| Dehydrated Medium | 10–30 °C, dry, away from light; container tightly sealed |
| Prepared Plates | 2–8 °C, sealed, use within 4 weeks |
| Scope | For dairy microbiology laboratory use only |
Official References
ISO 4833-1:2013IDF 100B:1991FIL/IDF
DISCLAIMER: This document is provided by AuSaMicS Pty Ltd for informational purposes only. Information is believed to be accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without notice. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd makes no warranties regarding fitness for a particular purpose. Users are responsible for determining suitability for their specific application. © 2025 AuSaMicS Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
Product Specifications
| Product Name | Plate Count Skim Milk Agar |
| Catalogue Number | AS-1329 |
| Format | Dehydrated granular medium |
| Appearance | Cream to light beige homogeneous powder |
| Final pH (25 °C) | 7.0 ± 0.2 |
| Gel Strength | Firm, transparent gel after autoclaving |
| Sterility | Sterile upon preparation per protocol |
Composition (per litre)
| Ingredient | g/L | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptone (Pancreatic Digest of Casein) | 5.0 | Nitrogen source |
| Yeast Extract | 2.5 | Growth factors, vitamins |
| Glucose (Dextrose) | 1.0 | Fermentable carbon source |
| Skimmed Milk Powder (heat-treated) | 100.0 | Casein, lactose, vitamins, growth stimulants |
| Agar | 12.0–15.0 | Solidifying agent |
Preparation Instructions
- Suspend all components in 1 litre of purified water. Note: milk powder dissolves slowly — allow sufficient time with constant agitation.
- Heat with frequent agitation and bring to a boil for 1–2 minutes until completely dissolved.
- Autoclave at 121 °C for 15 minutes. Do not over-autoclave; excessive heat degrades milk proteins.
- Cool to 45–50 °C in a water bath before dispensing.
- Pour 20–25 mL per sterile 90 mm Petri dish on a level surface. Allow to solidify.
- Store prepared plates at 2–8 °C in sealed bags for up to 4 weeks.
Incubation Conditions
| Standard (ISO 4833-1) | 30 ± 1 °C for 72 ± 3 hours (pour-plate) |
| Alternative (national methods) | 35 ± 1 °C for 48 hours |
Quality Control
| Test Organism | ATCC / NCTC | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Escherichia coli | ATCC 25922 | Good growth; cream colonies |
| Staphylococcus aureus | ATCC 25923 | Good growth; golden colonies |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | ATCC 4356 | Good growth; small white colonies |
DISCLAIMER: This document is provided by AuSaMicS Pty Ltd for informational purposes only. Information is believed to be accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without notice. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd makes no warranties regarding fitness for a particular purpose. Users are responsible for determining suitability for their specific application. © 2025 AuSaMicS Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
Section 1 — Identification
| Product Name | Plate Count Skim Milk Agar |
| Catalogue Number | AS-1329 |
| Supplier | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd, 31 Longview CT, Thomastown, VIC 3074, Australia |
| Phone | +61 412 520 598 |
| Email / Website | support@ausamics.com | www.ausamics.com.au |
| Emergency | Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26 (Australia) |
| Recommended Use | Microbiological culture medium — dairy laboratory use only |
Section 2 — Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria when used as directed. Signal Word: None required.
Precautionary Statements: P261 — Avoid breathing dust. P280 — Wear protective gloves/eye protection. P501 — Dispose of contents/container per local regulations.
Other Hazards: Inoculated material may harbour live microorganisms — handle per institutional biosafety guidelines.
Section 3 — Composition
| Ingredient | CAS | % w/w | GHS Hazard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tryptone | Mixture | ~0.5 | Not classified |
| Yeast Extract | 8013-01-2 | ~0.2 | Not classified |
| Glucose (Dextrose) | 50-99-7 | ~0.1 | Not classified |
| Skimmed Milk Powder | Mixture | ~9.1 | Not classified |
| Agar | 9002-18-0 | ~1.1–1.4 | Not classified |
Sections 4–8 — First Aid, Fire, Handling, PPE
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Skin/Eyes: Flush with water; seek medical attention if irritation persists. Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if unwell.
Storage: 10–30 °C, dry, away from light; keep container closed. Prepared plates: 2–8 °C, use within 4 weeks.
PPE: Lab coat, nitrile gloves, safety glasses. Good laboratory ventilation.
Section 13 — Disposal
Inoculated medium: autoclave at 121 °C for 30 min before disposal. Dispose as biological waste per institutional biosafety procedures. Dehydrated medium: dispose per local regulations.
Section 14 — Transport
Not a dangerous good. Not regulated under ADG, IATA, or IMDG.
Section 15 — Regulatory (Australia)
Not a scheduled poison (SUSMP). All components listed or exempt under AICS. Not classified as a hazardous substance under Safe Work Australia guidelines.
DISCLAIMER: This document is provided by AuSaMicS Pty Ltd for informational purposes only. Information is believed to be accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without notice. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd makes no warranties regarding fitness for a particular purpose. Users are responsible for determining suitability for their specific application. © 2025 AuSaMicS Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
Product Identification
| Product Name | Plate Count Skim Milk Agar |
| Catalogue Number | AS-1329 |
| Lot Number | XXXXXXXXX |
| Manufacture Date | XXXX-XX-XX |
| Expiry Date | XXXX-XX-XX |
Analytical Results
| Test Parameter | Specification | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance (powder) | Cream to light beige, homogeneous | Conforms | PASS |
| pH at 25 °C (prepared) | 7.0 ± 0.2 | X.X | PASS |
| Gel Strength | Firm, transparent gel | Conforms | PASS |
| Sterility (prepared) | No growth after 14 days | No growth | PASS |
| Growth — E. coli ATCC 25922 | Good growth; cream colonies | Conforms | PASS |
| Growth — S. aureus ATCC 25923 | Good growth; golden colonies | Conforms | PASS |
| Growth — L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 | Good growth; small white colonies | Conforms | PASS |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 5.0 % | X.X % | PASS |
✓ Overall Lot Status: RELEASED FOR USE
Authorisation
| Authorised Signatory | Hassan Salimi |
| Title | Founder and Technical Director |
| Organisation | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd |
| Signature | _________________________________ |
DISCLAIMER: This document is provided by AuSaMicS Pty Ltd for informational purposes only. Information is believed to be accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without notice. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd makes no warranties regarding fitness for a particular purpose. Users are responsible for determining suitability for their specific application. © 2025 AuSaMicS Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.