In microbial Quality Control, businesses often confuse the two foundational tests for safety and quality: the Microbial Plate Count (Enumeration) and Absence/Presence Pathogen Testing (Detection). Understanding which test to use, and when, is critical for protecting your brand and consumers. 1️⃣ Microbial Plate Counts What it Measures: The total number of viable, culturable bacteria and/or fungi (like yeasts and molds) in a sample (often called APC or TVC). Key Insight (Quant