What are the differences between spread plate and pour plate?

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