{"product_id":"plate-count-agar","title":"Plate Count Agar (PCA) | Standard Methods Agar for Total Aerobic Count (AS-1328)","description":"\u003c!-- ================================================================\nAuSaMicS Product Page: Plate Count Agar (AS-1328) — v3 (complete build)\nSEO \/ LLMO \/ AEO optimized. Last content review: 2026-08-31\nReviewed by: Hassan Salimi, Technical Director, AuSaMicS Pty Ltd\n================================================================= --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta name=\"description\" content=\"Plate Count Agar (PCA \/ Standard Methods Agar), AuSaMicS AS-1328 — Australian-manufactured, non-selective dehydrated culture medium for Total Viable Count of aerobic bacteria in food, water, pharmaceutical and environmental samples. ISO 4833, FDA-BAM, APHA and ISO 11133 compliant. Includes method comparison, validation data, and limitations. Full TDS, SDS (GHS) and lot-specific COA supplied.\"\u003e \u003cmeta name=\"keywords\" content=\"Plate Count Agar, Standard Methods Agar, Tryptone Glucose Yeast Extract Agar, TGYA, Total Viable Count medium, aerobic plate count agar, ISO 4833 medium, FDA BAM plate count agar, APHA standard methods agar, AuSaMicS AS-1328, dehydrated culture media Australia, buy plate count agar Australia, Melbourne microbiology media supplier, PCA vs TSA vs R2A\"\u003e \u003cmeta name=\"author\" content=\"AuSaMicS Pty Ltd — Hassan Salimi, Technical Director\"\u003e \u003cmeta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-image-preview:large\"\u003e \u003cmeta property=\"og:type\" content=\"product\"\u003e \u003cmeta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Plate Count Agar (PCA) — AS-1328 | AuSaMicS Life Science\"\u003e \u003cmeta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Reference-grade non-selective dehydrated culture medium for Total Viable Count. ISO 4833 \/ FDA-BAM \/ APHA compliant. Manufactured in Melbourne, Australia.\"\u003e \u003cmeta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"AuSaMicS Life Science\"\u003e \u003cmeta property=\"product:brand\" content=\"AuSaMicS\"\u003e \u003cmeta property=\"product:availability\" content=\"in stock\"\u003e \u003cmeta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\"\u003e \u003cmeta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Plate Count Agar (PCA) — AS-1328 | AuSaMicS Life Science\"\u003e \u003cmeta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"ISO 4833 \/ FDA-BAM \/ APHA compliant Total Viable Count medium. Australian-manufactured. TDS, SDS, COA included.\"\u003e \u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.ausamics.com.au\/#organization\",\n      \"name\": \"AuSaMicS Pty Ltd\",\n      \"alternateName\": \"AuSaMicS Life Science\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.ausamics.com.au\",\n      \"logo\": \"https:\/\/ausamics.com.au\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AuSaMicS_Logo_Transparent_HQ_Final.png\",\n      \"identifier\": \"ABN 56 676 640 467\",\n      \"address\": { \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\", \"addressLocality\": \"Melbourne\", \"addressRegion\": \"VIC\", \"addressCountry\": \"AU\" },\n      \"founder\": { \"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Hassan Salimi\", \"jobTitle\": \"Technical Director\" },\n      \"knowsAbout\": [\"Microbiological culture media\", \"GMP manufacturing\", \"Dehydrated media formulation\", \"Laboratory reagents\", \"Biological stains\", \"Chromogenic substrates\"]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Product\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.ausamics.com.au\/products\/as-1328-plate-count-agar\/#product\",\n      \"name\": \"Plate Count Agar (PCA) - AS-1328\",\n      \"alternateName\": [\"Standard Methods Agar\", \"Tryptone Glucose Yeast Extract Agar\", \"TGYA\"],\n      \"sku\": \"AS-1328\",\n      \"brand\": { \"@type\": \"Brand\", \"name\": \"AuSaMicS\" },\n      \"manufacturer\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.ausamics.com.au\/#organization\" },\n      \"category\": \"Dehydrated Culture Media\",\n      \"description\": \"Non-selective dehydrated culture medium for enumeration of viable aerobic microorganisms (Total Viable Count), compliant with ISO 4833, FDA-BAM, APHA and ISO 11133.\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/ausamics.com.au\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AuSaMicS_Logo_Transparent_HQ_Final.png\",\n      \"additionalProperty\": [\n        {\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Format\",\"value\":\"Dehydrated powder\"},\n        {\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Final pH\",\"value\":\"7.0 ± 0.2 at 25°C\"},\n        {\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"HS Code\",\"value\":\"3822.00\"},\n        {\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Standards\",\"value\":\"ISO 4833, FDA-BAM, APHA, ISO 11133\"},\n        {\"@type\":\"PropertyValue\",\"name\":\"Shelf Life\",\"value\":\"24 months (dehydrated)\"}\n      ],\n      \"offers\": [\n        { \"@type\": \"Offer\", \"name\": \"AS-1328-500G\", \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\", \"seller\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.ausamics.com.au\/#organization\" }, \"areaServed\": \"AU\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"Offer\", \"name\": \"AS-1328-2.5KG\", \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\", \"seller\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.ausamics.com.au\/#organization\" }, \"areaServed\": \"AU\" }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is Plate Count Agar used for?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Plate Count Agar (PCA) enumerates the total number of viable aerobic microorganisms in a sample — a Total Viable Count (TVC) or aerobic plate count — used in food, water, pharmaceutical, and environmental microbiology testing under ISO 4833, FDA-BAM, and APHA methods.\" } },\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is Plate Count Agar selective or non-selective?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Plate Count Agar is non-selective. It contains no inhibitory or indicator agents, so it supports growth of essentially any viable aerobic organism capable of growing under the incubation conditions, rather than favouring or excluding specific groups.\" } },\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the difference between Plate Count Agar and Standard Methods Agar?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"They are the same medium. Standard Methods Agar and Tryptone Glucose Yeast Extract Agar are synonyms for Plate Count Agar, reflecting its origin in APHA Standard Methods for water and food testing.\" } },\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the AuSaMicS AS-1328 Plate Count Agar equivalent to from other brands?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"AuSaMicS Plate Count Agar (AS-1328) is formulated equivalent to Oxoid CM0325 (Thermo Scientific OXCM0325B), BD Difco 247940, and Merck 1.05463.\" } },\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How do you prepare Plate Count Agar?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Suspend 23.5 g of dehydrated Plate Count Agar in 1 litre of purified water, heat with agitation to dissolve, autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes, cool to 45–50°C, then pour or dispense into plates.\" } },\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Should I use Plate Count Agar, Tryptone Soya Agar, or R2A Agar?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Plate Count Agar is the standard choice for regulatory TVC testing under ISO 4833\/FDA-BAM\/APHA. Tryptone Soya Agar is preferred where a richer medium is needed for stressed or fastidious organisms. R2A Agar is preferred for oligotrophic environments such as potable water, where low-nutrient media recover more organisms than PCA.\" } },\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does Plate Count Agar recover anaerobic organisms?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Not under standard aerobic incubation. 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.ap-author-text{font-size:12.5px;color:#555;}\n.ap-authorbox .ap-author-text b{color:#14532d;}\n\n.ap-kv{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:10px 0 20px 0;}\n.ap-kv td{padding:8px 4px;border-bottom:1px solid #ccc;font-size:14px;}\n.ap-kv td:first-child{font-weight:700;color:#1A4731;width:38%;}\n.ap-datatable{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:10px 0 20px 0;}\n.ap-datatable th{background:#EBEBEB;border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;font-size:13.5px;text-align:left;}\n.ap-datatable td{border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;font-size:13.5px;background:#fff;}\n.ap-h2{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#1A4731,#245c40);color:#fff;padding:10px 16px;font-size:18px;font-weight:700;margin:22px 0 12px 0;border-radius:4px;border-left:4px solid #C9A227;}\n.ap-goldnote{border-left:4px solid #C9A227;background:#FBF6E7;padding:10px 16px;font-size:13.5px;margin:14px 0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;}\n.ap-footer{border-top:1px solid #ccc;margin-top:30px;padding-top:12px;font-size:12px;color:#777;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:6px;}\n.ap-disclaimer{border:1px solid #ddd;padding:12px 16px;margin-top:18px;font-size:12px;color:#777;font-style:italic;border-radius:4px;background:#fafafa;}\n\n@media (max-width:700px){\n  .ap-hero-grid,.ap-two-col{grid-template-columns:1fr;}\n  .ap-app-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;}\n  .ap-tab-label{font-size:12px;padding:10px 4px;}\n  .ap-workflow{flex-direction:column;}\n  .ap-wf-step{margin-right:0;margin-bottom:22px;}\n  .ap-wf-step:not(:last-child)::after{content:\"↓\";right:50%;top:auto;bottom:-20px;transform:translateX(50%);}\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ausamics-product-page\"\u003e\n\u003cnav class=\"ap-breadcrumb\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ausamics.com.au\"\u003eHome\u003c\/a\u003e › \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ausamics.com.au\/collections\/culture-media\"\u003eCulture Media\u003c\/a\u003e › Plate Count Agar (AS-1328)\u003c\/nav\u003e\u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"ap-tabs\" id=\"ap-tab1\" class=\"ap-tab-input\" checked\u003e \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"ap-tabs\" id=\"ap-tab2\" class=\"ap-tab-input\"\u003e \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"ap-tabs\" id=\"ap-tab3\" class=\"ap-tab-input\"\u003e \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"ap-tabs\" id=\"ap-tab4\" class=\"ap-tab-input\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-header\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-header-right\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ap-doctype\"\u003ePLATE COUNT AGAR\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ap-docnum\"\u003eCatalogue No. AS-1328\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ap-website\"\u003ewww.ausamics.com.au\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-trustbar\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-trust-item\"\u003e🇦🇺 Made in Melbourne\u003cspan\u003eAustralian manufacturer\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-trust-item\"\u003eISO 4833 · FDA-BAM · APHA\u003cspan\u003eStandards-aligned formulation\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-trust-item\"\u003eLot-Traceable COA\u003cspan\u003eEvery batch tested \u0026amp; certified\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-trust-item\"\u003e18+ Yrs Formulation Expertise\u003cspan\u003eTechnical Director-led R\u0026amp;D\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-tab-bar\"\u003e\n\u003clabel for=\"ap-tab1\" class=\"ap-tab-label\"\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"ap-tab2\" class=\"ap-tab-label\"\u003eTechnical Data (TDS)\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"ap-tab3\" class=\"ap-tab-label\"\u003eSafety Data (SDS)\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"ap-tab4\" class=\"ap-tab-label\"\u003eCertificate (COA)\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-tabs\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- ============ TAB 1: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ============ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"ap-content1\" class=\"ap-tab-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-hero\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-pills\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ap-pill\"\u003eAS-1328\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"ap-pill\"\u003eNon-Selective\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"ap-pill\"\u003eISO 4833\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"ap-pill\"\u003eFDA-BAM\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"ap-pill\"\u003eAPHA\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"ap-pill gold\"\u003eTotal Viable Count\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"ap-hero-title\"\u003ePlate Count Agar (PCA)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ap-hero-sub\"\u003eStandard Methods Agar · Tryptone Glucose Yeast Extract Agar — the reference medium for aerobic Total Viable Count\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-hero-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-hero-text\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlate Count Agar is a \u003cb\u003enon-selective, nutrient-balanced dehydrated medium\u003c\/b\u003e used globally for enumerating viable aerobic microorganisms. It is the reference substrate specified by \u003cb\u003eISO 4833\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eFDA-BAM\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eAPHA Standard Methods\u003c\/b\u003e for Total Viable Count (TVC) determinations across food, water, pharmaceutical, and environmental testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuSaMicS manufactures PCA under controlled, GMP-aligned conditions in Melbourne, Australia, giving consistent colony morphology, transparent plate background for accurate counting, and lot-to-lot reproducibility that regulatory and routine QC laboratories depend on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-perf-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePerformance Snapshot\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-perf-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFinal pH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7.0 ± 0.2\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-perf-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eIncubation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30–35°C, 48–72h\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-perf-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eColony recovery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e≥ 70% (QC strains)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-perf-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eClarity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClear, high-contrast\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-perf-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eShelf life (powder)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24 months\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eTesting Workflow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-workflow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-wf-step\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-wf-num\"\u003e1\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSample\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFood, water, swab, or rinse\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-wf-step\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-wf-num\"\u003e2\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSerial Dilution\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecimal dilutions in diluent\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-wf-step\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-wf-num\"\u003e3\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePlating\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePour or spread onto PCA\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-wf-step\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-wf-num\"\u003e4\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIncubation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30–35°C, 48–72h aerobic\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-wf-step\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-wf-num\"\u003e5\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEnumeration\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCount 25–250 colonies\/plate\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eScientific Background\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ap-subtitle\"\u003eHistorical Development\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14.5px;\"\u003eThe formulation traces to Buchbinder \u003ci\u003eet al.\u003c\/i\u003e (1951), whose plate-counting studies established the nutrient balance later adopted into APHA Standard Methods and, subsequently, ISO 4833 and FDA-BAM. PCA is one of the longest continuously validated media in applied microbiology — its composition has remained essentially unchanged for over seven decades because it reliably satisfies the design brief of a total, non-differential count medium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ap-subtitle\"\u003eNutritional Basis\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14.5px;\"\u003eThree complementary sources supply nutrition. \u003cb\u003eTryptone\u003c\/b\u003e (pancreatic digest of casein) provides amino acids and short peptides supporting broad heterotrophic growth. \u003cb\u003eYeast extract\u003c\/b\u003e contributes B-vitamins, nucleotides, and trace growth factors required by fastidious and non-fastidious organisms alike. \u003cb\u003eGlucose\u003c\/b\u003e (1.0 g\/L) acts as a readily fermentable energy source at a concentration deliberately kept low enough that acid byproducts do not suppress growth or distort colony morphology. Because no selective, inhibitory, or indicator agents are present, PCA does not discriminate against Gram-positive or Gram-negative organisms — the defining property of a \u003ci\u003etotal\u003c\/i\u003e, rather than differential or selective, count medium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ap-subtitle\"\u003eGrowth Kinetics \u0026amp; Incubation Considerations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14.5px;\"\u003eISO 4833 permits either 30°C\/72h or 35–37°C\/48h incubation regimes depending on the standard being followed; results are method-specific and not directly interchangeable between temperature\/time combinations. Colony counts are only considered statistically reliable within the 25–250 colonies per plate range (APHA convention) — outside this range, counts should be reported as \"too numerous to count\" (TNTC) or \"estimated count\" per the applicable method, and the dilution series repeated if necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eKey Applications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-app-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-app-card\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Beverage TVC\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAerobic plate counts for meat, dairy, produce, and poultry per ISO 4833 \/ FDA-BAM.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-app-card\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWater Microbiology\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotable, process, and wastewater viable count testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-app-card\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePharmaceutical QC\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMicrobial limit testing aligned with USP \u0026amp; EP total aerobic microbial count (TAMC).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-app-card\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEnvironmental Monitoring\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCleanroom air\/surface sampling and hygiene\/sanitation verification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-app-card\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eShelf-Life Studies\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduct stability and spoilage-organism tracking over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-app-card\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTeaching \u0026amp; Research\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColony morphology studies and general microbial physiology training.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eFormulation \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-two-col\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-formtable\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComponent\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eg\/L\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTryptone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-conc\"\u003e5.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYeast Extract\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-conc\"\u003e2.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGlucose (Dextrose)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-conc\"\u003e1.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAgar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-conc\"\u003e15.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctfoot\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTotal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003e23.5 g\/L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tfoot\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-specbox\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-specbox-header\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-spectable\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-label\"\u003eCatalogue No.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAS-1328\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-label\"\u003eHS Code\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3822.00\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-label\"\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDehydrated powder\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-label\"\u003eFinal pH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.0 ± 0.2 @ 25°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-label\"\u003eStorage (powder)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–30°C, dry, dark\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-label\"\u003eStorage (plates)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–8°C, use ≤ 7 days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prepbox\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLaboratory Preparation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prep-step\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prep-num\"\u003e1\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuspend 23.5 g of dehydrated medium in 1 L purified water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prep-step\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prep-num\"\u003e2\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeat with agitation until completely dissolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prep-step\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prep-num\"\u003e3\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSterilise by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prep-step\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prep-num\"\u003e4\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCool to 45–50°C and mix well before dispensing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prep-step\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-prep-num\"\u003e5\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePour plates or dispense as required; allow to set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eMethod Comparison: Choosing the Right TVC Medium\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-comptable\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProperty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlate Count Agar (PCA)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTryptone Soya Agar (TSA)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eR2A Agar\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNutrient level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow (oligotrophic)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTypical use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegulatory TVC (food\/water)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGeneral cultivation, stressed\/fastidious organisms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePotable water, biofilm, slow growers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReference standards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eISO 4833, FDA-BAM, APHA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eISO 11133 (general purpose)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eISO 6222, USEPA methods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncubation time\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e48–72 h\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–48 h\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–7 days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBest for stressed\/injured cells\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-x\"\u003eLimited\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-check\"\u003eGood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-check\"\u003eVery good\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBest for high-nutrient samples (food, dairy)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-check\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-check\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-x\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 12.5px; color: #666; margin-top: 6px;\"\u003eSelection guidance based on published method scopes (ISO 4833, ISO 6222, ISO 11133) and general microbiological practice; always confirm against the specific regulatory method your laboratory operates under.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eTypical Validation Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-validtable\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOrganism (ATCC)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRelative Recovery vs. Reference Lot\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eE. coli 25922\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-bar-cell\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-bar-track\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-bar-fill\" style=\"width: 92%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ap-bar-label\"\u003e≈ 92%\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eS. aureus 25923\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-bar-cell\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-bar-track\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-bar-fill\" style=\"width: 88%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ap-bar-label\"\u003e≈ 88%\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eB. subtilis 6633\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-bar-cell\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-bar-track\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-bar-fill\" style=\"width: 85%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ap-bar-label\"\u003e≈ 85%\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eC. albicans 10231\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"ap-bar-cell\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-bar-track\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-bar-fill\" style=\"width: 78%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"ap-bar-label\"\u003e≈ 78%\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 12.5px; color: #666; margin-top: 6px;\"\u003eRepresentative recovery ranges for a well-performing lot of a non-selective TVC medium, expressed relative to a reference\/prior lot under identical inoculum and incubation conditions (ISO 11133 productivity testing framework: acceptable productivity ratio typically ≥ 0.7). Actual batch-specific results are reported on the lot's Certificate of Analysis (COA tab).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eLimitations \u0026amp; Technical Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-limitbox\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eNot selective or differential\u003c\/b\u003e — PCA cannot distinguish organism groups; use a selective\/differential medium alongside PCA if identification or group-specific counts are required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAerobic incubation only\u003c\/b\u003e — standard use does not recover strict anaerobes; anaerobic incubation is outside this medium's validated scope.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCountable range\u003c\/b\u003e — reliable enumeration is limited to 25–250 colonies\/plate (APHA convention); dilute and repeat if counts fall outside this range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTemperature\/time is method-defined\u003c\/b\u003e — ISO, FDA-BAM, and APHA specify different acceptable incubation regimes; results are not directly comparable across methods unless the same regime is used.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSwarming organisms\u003c\/b\u003e (e.g., certain \u003ci\u003eProteus\u003c\/i\u003e or \u003ci\u003eBacillus\u003c\/i\u003e species) may overgrow plates and obscure accurate counts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eNot intended for stressed\/injured-cell resuscitation\u003c\/b\u003e — where sub-lethally injured cells are expected (e.g., post-heat-treatment, post-sanitiser), a resuscitation step or richer medium (e.g., TSA) may be more appropriate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eCross-Reference \/ Equivalent Products\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-crosstable\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEquivalent Product\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCatalogue No.\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOxoid (Thermo Scientific)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlate Count Agar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCM0325 \/ OXCM0325B\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBD Difco\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlate Count Agar (Standard Methods Agar)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e247940\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMerck\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlate Count Agar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.05463\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThermo Fisher Scientific\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOxoid Plate Count Agar (Dehydrated)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOXCM0325B\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuSaMicS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlate Count Agar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAS-1328\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eOrdering Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-ordertable\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCatalogue No.\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePack Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eApprox. Yield\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFormat\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAS-1328-500\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e500 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≈ 21 L prepared medium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDehydrated powder, bottle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAS-1328-2K5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≈ 106 L prepared medium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDehydrated powder, bottle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 12.5px; color: #666; margin-top: 6px;\"\u003eYield calculated at 23.5 g\/L reconstitution rate. Custom pack sizes and pre-poured plate formats available on request.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"ap-faq-item\" open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is Plate Count Agar used for?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt enumerates the total number of viable aerobic microorganisms in a sample — a Total Viable Count (TVC) or aerobic plate count — used in food, water, pharmaceutical, and environmental microbiology testing under ISO 4833, FDA-BAM, and APHA methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"ap-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs Plate Count Agar selective or non-selective?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNon-selective. It contains no inhibitory or indicator agents, so it supports growth of essentially any viable aerobic organism able to grow under the incubation conditions, rather than favouring or excluding specific groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"ap-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the difference between Plate Count Agar and Standard Methods Agar?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone — they are the same medium. \"Standard Methods Agar\" and \"Tryptone Glucose Yeast Extract Agar\" are synonyms for Plate Count Agar, reflecting its origin in APHA Standard Methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"ap-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is AS-1328 equivalent to from other brands?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuSaMicS AS-1328 is formulated equivalent to Oxoid CM0325 (Thermo Scientific OXCM0325B), BD Difco 247940, and Merck 1.05463.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"ap-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eShould I use Plate Count Agar, TSA, or R2A Agar?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePCA is the standard choice for regulatory TVC testing under ISO 4833\/FDA-BAM\/APHA. TSA suits richer cultivation needs for stressed or fastidious organisms. R2A is preferred for oligotrophic samples such as potable water, where low-nutrient media recover more organisms than PCA. See the Method Comparison table above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"ap-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes Plate Count Agar recover anaerobic organisms?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot under standard aerobic incubation. Recovery of anaerobes requires anaerobic incubation conditions and is outside PCA's standard validated use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"ap-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow do you prepare Plate Count Agar?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuspend 23.5 g in 1 L purified water, heat with agitation to dissolve, autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes, cool to 45–50°C, then pour or dispense into plates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"ap-section-title\"\u003eCommon Search Queries This Product Answers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-searchbox\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 13.5px; color: #444;\"\u003eResearchers and procurement teams typically find this page searching for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"buy plate count agar Australia\" \/ \"Standard Methods Agar supplier Melbourne\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"ISO 4833 total viable count medium\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"non-selective agar for aerobic plate count\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"Oxoid CM0325 equivalent Australia\" \/ \"Difco 247940 alternative\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"PCA vs TSA vs R2A agar\" \/ \"which medium for TVC\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"TGYA agar composition and preparation\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"culture media for food microbiology TVC testing\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\"microbial limit test agar USP EP TAMC\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-authorbox\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-avatar\"\u003eHS\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-author-text\"\u003eContent reviewed by \u003cb\u003eHassan Salimi\u003c\/b\u003e, Technical Director, AuSaMicS Pty Ltd — 18+ years in microbiology and culture media formulation. Last reviewed 31 August 2026.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ============ TAB 2: TDS ============ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"ap-content2\" class=\"ap-tab-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\"\u003eTechnical Data Sheet\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-kv\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlate Count Agar (PCA)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynonyms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard Methods Agar; Tryptone Glucose Yeast Extract Agar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCatalogue Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAS-1328\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDehydrated powder\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuSaMicS Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eIntended Use\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003eNon-selective medium for the enumeration of viable aerobic microorganisms (Total Viable Count) in food, water, environmental, and pharmaceutical samples, per ISO 4833, FDA-BAM, and APHA Standard Methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eMode of Action\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003eTryptone and yeast extract supply amino acids, peptides, and B-vitamin growth factors that support a broad spectrum of non-fastidious heterotrophic bacteria. Glucose provides an energy source promoting rapid colony development. Because no selective, inhibitory, or indicator agents are included, essentially all viable aerobic organisms capable of growth under the incubation conditions will form countable colonies, making the medium suitable for total (non-differential) enumeration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eFormulation (per litre)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-datatable\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIngredient\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eQuantity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFunction\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTryptone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.0 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrogen \/ amino acid source\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYeast Extract\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVitamins, growth factors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGlucose (Dextrose)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFermentable carbon\/energy source\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAgar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15.0 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolidifying agent\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 13px;\"\u003eFinal pH: 7.0 ± 0.2 at 25°C. Total: 23.5 g\/L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003ePreparation\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003eSuspend 23.5 g in 1 L purified water. Heat with agitation to dissolve completely. Autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes. Cool to 45–50°C, mix, and pour or dispense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eIncubation Conditions\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-datatable\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCondition\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30–35°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTime\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e48–72 hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAtmosphere\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAerobic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eQuality Control — Cultural Response\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-datatable\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOrganism\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eATCC No.\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInoculum (CFU\/plate)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eExpected Result\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ci\u003eEscherichia coli\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25922\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≤ 100\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGood growth, discrete colonies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ci\u003eStaphylococcus aureus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25923\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≤ 100\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGood growth, discrete colonies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ci\u003eBacillus subtilis\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6633\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≤ 100\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGood growth, discrete colonies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ci\u003eCandida albicans\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10231\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≤ 100\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGood growth (extended incubation)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eStorage \u0026amp; Shelf Life\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-kv\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDehydrated medium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–30°C, tightly closed, protected from moisture\/light — 24 months\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrepared plates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–8°C, protected from light — use within 7 days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eLiterature \u0026amp; References\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"font-size: 13px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuchbinder, L. et al. (1951). \u003ci\u003eStudies on plate counting.\u003c\/i\u003e Public Health Reports, 66(11), 327–329.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eISO 4833-1:2013. \u003ci\u003eMicrobiology of the food chain — Horizontal method for the enumeration of microorganisms.\u003c\/i\u003e International Organization for Standardization.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eISO 11133:2014. \u003ci\u003eMicrobiology of food, animal feed and water — Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media.\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eU.S. Food and Drug Administration. \u003ci\u003eBacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM), Chapter 3: Aerobic Plate Count.\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmerican Public Health Association. \u003ci\u003eStandard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater\u003c\/i\u003e (latest edition).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnited States Pharmacopeia. \u003ci\u003eUSP \u0026lt;61\u0026gt; Microbiological Examination of Nonsterile Products: Microbial Enumeration Tests.\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-disclaimer\"\u003eFor laboratory, food, environmental, and industrial microbiology use only. Not intended for diagnostic or clinical use in humans or animals. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd accepts no liability for results obtained outside the stated preparation and storage conditions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ============ TAB 3: SDS ============ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"ap-content3\" class=\"ap-tab-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\"\u003eSafety Data Sheet — Summary\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 13px; color: #555;\"\u003eThis is a summary view. The full 16-section GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheet (Australian format) is provided as a downloadable Word document alongside this page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-kv\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlate Count Agar (PCA), AS-1328\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLaboratory culture medium (dehydrated)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuSaMicS Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGHS Classification\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot classified as hazardous per Safe Work Australia criteria\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSignal Word\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone allocated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eHazard Summary\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003eNot classified as a hazardous chemical or dangerous good under Safe Work Australia \/ GHS criteria in its dehydrated form. May cause mechanical irritation to eyes and respiratory tract as a fine powder. Prepared (autoclaved) medium presents negligible chemical hazard; standard aseptic and biological safety precautions apply once inoculated with microorganisms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eFirst Aid\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-datatable\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRoute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eResponse\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInhalation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMove to fresh air. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSkin Contact\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWash with soap and water.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEye Contact\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRinse thoroughly with water for several minutes. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIngestion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRinse mouth. Seek medical advice if unwell.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-goldnote\"\u003eFull SDS (16 GHS sections, with pictograms, handling, disposal, transport and regulatory information) is provided as a separate Word document — see downloads.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ============ TAB 4: COA ============ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"ap-content4\" class=\"ap-tab-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\"\u003eCertificate of Analysis — Sample Format\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 13px; color: #555;\"\u003eEach batch is supplied with a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis. A representative COA is provided as a downloadable Word document; the batch-specific COA accompanies your shipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-kv\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlate Count Agar (PCA)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCatalogue Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAS-1328\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBatch\/Lot Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAssigned per production batch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManufacture Date\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAssigned per production batch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRetest \/ Expiry Date\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24 months from manufacture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-h2\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003eQuality Control Results (Representative)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"ap-datatable\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTest\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eResult\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAppearance (powder)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFine, homogeneous, free-flowing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConforms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight beige to tan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConforms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinal pH (25°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.0 ± 0.2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConforms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGel firmness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirm, clear gel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConforms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eE. coli\u003c\/i\u003e ATCC 25922 recovery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGood growth, ≤100 CFU inoculum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConforms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eS. aureus\u003c\/i\u003e ATCC 25923 recovery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGood growth, ≤100 CFU inoculum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConforms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSterility (uninoculated control)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo growth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConforms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-goldnote\"\u003eThis tab shows a representative format. The lot-specific Certificate of Analysis issued with your order carries the actual batch number, manufacture\/expiry dates, and signed QC results.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- \/ap-tabs --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-footer\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAuSaMicS Pty Ltd · ABN 56 676 640 467 · Melbourne, VIC, Australia\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003ewww.ausamics.com.au\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ap-disclaimer\"\u003eThe information provided is accurate to the best of AuSaMicS Pty Ltd's knowledge at the time of publication. Product specifications may be updated without notice. For laboratory, food, environmental, and industrial microbiology use only — not for diagnostic or clinical use in humans or animals. Users should verify suitability for their specific application prior to use.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ausamics Life Science","offers":[{"title":"100 g","offer_id":48116104298751,"sku":"AS-1328-100G","price":27.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500 g","offer_id":48116104331519,"sku":"AS-1328-500G","price":77.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5 kg","offer_id":48116104364287,"sku":"AS-1328-2.5KG","price":295.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0771\/1087\/0271\/files\/Platecountagar.jpg?v=1771807335","url":"https:\/\/ausamics.com.au\/products\/plate-count-agar","provider":"AuSaMicS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}