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Dilution Factor Equation:
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The Dilution Factor is a critical parameter in microbiology that represents the factor by which a bacterial culture is diluted. It's essential for accurate quantification of viable bacterial cells and determining the original concentration of microorganisms in a sample.
The calculator uses the Dilution Factor equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the dilution factor by multiplying the colony forming units by the volume of culture plate, then dividing by the number of colonies observed.
Details: Accurate dilution factor calculation is crucial for determining the original concentration of microorganisms in a sample, ensuring proper experimental results, and maintaining consistency in microbiological studies and quality control procedures.
Tips: Enter Colony Forming Unit per mL in cells/mL, Volume of Culture Plate in mL, and Number of Colonies counted. All values must be valid positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: Why is dilution factor important in microbiology?
A: Dilution factor helps determine the original concentration of microorganisms in a sample when colonies are too numerous to count directly, ensuring accurate quantification.
Q2: What are typical dilution factor ranges?
A: Dilution factors can range from 10 to 10^6 or higher, depending on the initial concentration of microorganisms and the counting method used.
Q3: When should serial dilutions be performed?
A: Serial dilutions should be performed when the expected microbial concentration is high, to obtain countable colonies (typically 30-300 colonies per plate).
Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes uniform distribution of microorganisms, accurate colony counting, and proper dilution techniques. Results may vary with clumping or uneven distribution.
Q5: How does this relate to colony counting?
A: The dilution factor is essential for back-calculating to the original concentration from the countable colonies on an agar plate.