3M™ Petrifilm™ Rapid E.Coli/Coliform Count Plates (REC)

These 3M™ Petrifilm™ Rapid E. coli & Coliform Count (REC) Plates are selective and differential, ready-to-use culture media designed to simplify microbial testing in food and beverage laboratories.

Each plate contains proprietary nutrients, a cold-water-soluble gelling agent, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-D-glucuronide (BCIG) as an indicator of glucuronidase activity, and a tetrazolium indicator that enables easy colony enumeration.

Used globally for detecting and quantifying Escherichia coli and coliforms, these sample-ready plates streamline testing processes by removing the need for traditional agar media preparation.

Performance & Accuracy

They deliver confirmed E. coli and total coliform results within 18–24 hours, eliminating extra confirmation steps and boosting lab efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.

Each plate meets stringent validation standards, including AOAC Official Methods of Analysis (OMA) #2018.13 and MicroVal certification no. 2017LR76, ensuring reliable performance across a wide range of food products and select environmental surfaces.

Efficiency & Workflow Advantages

These ready-to-use plates eliminate media prep and save incubator space, streamlining lab workflows. The standardised system delivers fast, consistent results, easily read and recorded with the Petrifilm™ Plate Reader Advanced.

Instructions for Use

Each plate follows a simple three-step workflow:

1. Inoculate: Eliminate media prep - plates are ready to inoculate.
2. Incubate: A compact incubator is all you need.
3. Interpret: Indicator dyes facilitate colony counting.

Certifications & Compliance

The 3M™ Food Safety division operates under ISO 9001 certification for the design and manufacture of Petrifilm™ Plates, ensuring consistent quality.

These REC Plates have undergone extensive performance validation and are recognised by global food safety authorities. They are not suitable for detecting E. coli O157 strains, as these are typically glucuronidase-negative and may not display the characteristic blue colouration on the plate.

Storage & Handling

Unopened 3M™ Petrifilm™ REC Plates should be stored refrigerated or frozen at -20 to 8°C and brought to room temperature before use.

Once opened, pouches should be resealed and stored in a cool, dry environment for up to four weeks, or frozen if laboratory conditions exceed 25°C or 50% relative humidity. Care should be taken to avoid moisture exposure, and storage in freezers with automatic defrost cycles is not recommended.

Disposal & Safety

After use, the 3M™ Petrifilm™ Rapid E. coli & Coliform Count Plates may contain viable microorganisms and must be disposed of according to standard biohazard waste protocols.

Laboratories should adhere to local regulations for biological waste management to maintain safety and compliance.

Ordering Information

These 3M™ Petrifilm™ Rapid E. coli & Coliform Count Plates are available in two convenient packaging options: 50 plates (REF: 3M6436) or 500 plates (REF: 3M6437).

Product Features

• Rapid Results: Delivers confirmed E. coli & coliform counts within 18–24 hours, enabling faster decision-making.
• Ready-to-Use Design: Eliminates the need for agar media preparation, saving time and reducing the risk of contamination.
• Flexible Application: Suitable for food, beverage and environmental testing across diverse industries.
• Automated Compatibility: Works with the 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plate Reader Advanced for rapid digital data capture.
• Clear Colony Differentiation: Uses BCIG and tetrazolium indicators for easy visual identification of E. coli and coliforms.
• Enhanced Laboratory Efficiency: Simplifies testing procedures, helping reduce labour costs and preparation time.