There are two standard plating methods employed at ETS Laboratories. Direct plating and filtration plating determine the number of culturable microbes in your samples. Presumptive identification of spoilage yeast and bacteria is performed using a combination of selective and non-selective growth media with subsequent biochemical characterization.

Direct plating is performed by spreading a small volume of sample onto the surface of differential and selective media. Membrane filtration plating concentrates microorganisms by filtering a larger sample volume through a .45 micrometer membrane. The filter is placed onto selective and differential media for organism growth & identification. Filtration technique is more effective for samples containing low levels of culturable organisms due to greater sensitivity.

All direct and filtration cultures are constantly monitored during incubation and characterization phases prior to final reporting. Preliminary microbiology results may be requested at any time and our staff microbiologists are available during business hours to assist you.

Standard Applications

• Monitor starter culture populations
• Track fermentations
• Detect culturable spoilage organisms during wine production and aging
• Determine the effectiveness of velcorin treatments
• Assess the effectiveness of environmental sanitation measures
• Assist with filtration decisions prior to bottling