Most probable numbers of organisms: revised tables for the multiple tube method
- 19 October 1987
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Epidemiology and Infection
- Vol. 99 (2) , 471-476
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0950268800067972
Abstract
SUMMARY: Estimation of numbers of organisms is often made using dilution series, for example when examining water samples for coliform organisms. In this paper the most probable numbers (MPNs) are calculated for a 15-tube series consisting of five replicates at three consecutive tenfold dilutions. Exact conditional probabilities are computed to replace previous approximations.When growth is observed in several of the tubes it is not realistic to select a single MPN. Instead a most probable range (MPR) should be reported. But using an MPR creates problems when comparison has to be made with a legislated, single-valued Standard. It is suggested that the wording of the Standards should be expressed differently when the multiple tube method is used.This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- Estimated numbers of bacteria in samples from non-homogeneous bodies of water: how should MPN and membrane filtration results be reported?Journal of Applied Bacteriology, 1985
- The preparation of simulated water samples for the purpose of bacteriological quality controlEpidemiology and Infection, 1976