What are the differences between spread plate and pour plate?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Spread plate

Pour plate

Definition

The spread plate technique evenly distributes bacteria from a liquid sample onto an agar plate, aiding in easy counting and isolation of individual bacterial colonies.

The pour plate technique is a method used to separate and quantify viable microorganisms found within a liquid sample.

Sample adding

Sample is added onto the solidified medium surface

Sample is mixed with molten agar and poured in a plate

Accuracy

Has a comparatively lower accuracy

Has a comparatively higher accuracy

Use of a glass spreader

Uses a glass spreader

Is not used

Medium used

Requires liquid molten agar media

Requires solidified agar plates

Microbial growth

Anaerobes, aerobes, and facultative anaerobes can all be quantified

The only bacteria able to be quantified are anaerobes

Basis of differentiation	Spread plate	Pour plate
Definition	The spread plate technique evenly distributes bacteria from a liquid sample onto an agar plate, aiding in easy counting and isolation of individual bacterial colonies.	The pour plate technique is a method used to separate and quantify viable microorganisms found within a liquid sample.
Sample adding	Sample is added onto the solidified medium surface	Sample is mixed with molten agar and poured in a plate
Accuracy	Has a comparatively lower accuracy	Has a comparatively higher accuracy
Use of a glass spreader	Uses a glass spreader	Is not used
Medium used	Requires liquid molten agar media	Requires solidified agar plates
Microbial growth	Anaerobes, aerobes, and facultative anaerobes can all be quantified	The only bacteria able to be quantified are anaerobes

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