1.1 This practice deals with the performance characteristics of enumeration methods for microorganisms of health and sanitary significance. The performance characteristics cover membrane filter, pour plate, and spread-plate colony counting techniques. A performance characteristic is a quantitative, experimentally determined value that is used to assess the suitability of an analytical method for a given purpose. The performance characteristics dealt with here are specificity, including selectivity, recovery, upper counting range, and precision and lower counting range.

1.2 The purpose of establishing performance characteristics is to provide a set of uniform properties to describe bacterial enumeration techniques and selective media.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.