Setting the Industry's Benchmark
3M Petrifilm Plates Enhances Food Testing Productivity and Reliability
3M Petrifilm plates are renowned in the field of food and beverage microbiology testing, setting the industry's benchmark. Consistently yield reliable results whether in the hands of different technicians or across various facilities, 3M Petrifilm Plates are the preferred choice for leading food companies, government agencies, and universities, both in large-scale manufacturing plants and smaller laboratories, where the aim is to enhance productivity and boost profitability.
Efficiency is a top priority in today's manufacturing environments, and as labour costs often account for a significant portion of microbial testing expenses, companies worldwide are recognizing the substantial advantages offered by 3M Petrifilm plates. With documented evidence showing an impressive 80.5% increase in productivity compared to traditional agar plates, the preference for 3M Petrifilm plates is evident. It stands as the logical choice for those seeking to optimize their laboratory resources effectively.
3M Petrifilm plates play a crucial role in maximizing laboratory productivity and efficiency while ensuring consistent and accurate counts, crucial for compliance with regulatory standards. These plates have gained global recognition with method approvals from reputable organizations such as AOAC International and AFNOR Validation, further establishing their credibility.
4 Fundamental Steps to Microbial Testing
Microbial testing involves four fundamental steps: sample preparation, sample plating, incubation, and interpretation.
Sample Preparation
The volume of the sample required for plating depends on the specific 3M Petrifilm plate being used. For instance, a 5ml sample is needed for inoculating the 3M Petrifilm High Sensitivity Coliform Count Plate, while a 3ml sample volume is required for the 3M Petrifilm Environmental Listeria Plate. All other Petrifilm plates necessitate a 1ml sample for inoculation. Some products may necessitate dilutions. For recommended dilution guidelines, please refer to the 3M Application Guide for use with Dairy and Juice Products or the 3M Dilution Preparation Guide.
Sample Plating
Once your samples are prepared for plating, you can choose from a comprehensive range of 3M Petrifilm plates, each designed for specific purposes. These plates encompass various types, including aerobic (including lactic acid for both aerobic and anaerobic procedures), coliform, E. coli/coliform, enterobacteria, high-sensitivity coliform, rapid coliform, staph express, yeast and mold, and environmental listeria. With every type of 3M Petrifilm plate, an interpretation guide is provided, offering guidance on storage, sample preparation, pH adjustment, plating, incubation, and result interpretation.See the 3M interpretation guide at the manuals tab of our resources page.
Incubation
During incubation, temperature and incubation time may vary depending on the method and regulatory requirements being followed. Specific incubation details for each plate can be found in the subsequent sections of this guide.Interpretation
The final step in microbial testing is interpretation. Adequate lighting is essential for accurate colony counting. An illuminated magnifier and a hand tally can be helpful in this process. As mentioned earlier, 3M Food Safety provides an interpretation guide for each type of 3M Petrifilm plate to assist in reading the results. 3M also offer an automated 3M Petrifilm Reader for enhanced consistency and reliability in counting and data management.3M Petrifilm plates are user-friendly, require minimal storage space, and have straightforward disposal instructions. Unopened packages should be refrigerated or frozen upon receipt and used before the indicated expiration date. Once opened, reseal the package by folding and taping it shut. Do not refrigerate an opened package; instead, store it in a cool, dry place and use it within one month. After use, 3M Petrifilm plates may contain viable bacteria, so it's essential to follow industry standards for proper disposal.
In addition to product sampling, 3M's full range of Petrifilm plates is also suitable for environmental testing. These plates offer solutions to save time, reduce costs, and support the reliability of your quality assurance efforts. When you choose 3M Petrifilm plates and other 3M Food Safety products, you gain a reliable partner for technical and customer support. For questions, literature requests, or more information on how 3M Food Safety can enhance lab efficiency in your facility, email us at info@acornsci.com.
- Myrl Lim
