Total microbial count

The total microbial count, also known as the microbial index, is a measure that indicates the number of viable microorganisms in a given sample. It is commonly used to quantify microbial contamination in water, food, pharmaceutical products, and other substances.

In pharmaceutical water treatment, the total microbial count is a critical parameter that determines the purity and quality of treated water. High microbial counts may indicate contamination and suggest that the water treatment system is not functioning properly or that the water has been contaminated during the production process.

The total microbial count is typically determined through microbiological testing, where a water sample is cultivated on specialized nutrient media to promote microbial growth. The resulting colony count is then measured to determine the microbial load. These tests can detect various microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, molds, and others.

Compliance with microbial count standards and limits is essential to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products. Pharmaceutical water treatment systems must maintain microbial counts within acceptable limits to meet purity and sterility requirements.