Culture (method)

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-007066",
  "term": "Culture (method)",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Preferred and definitive method (gold standard) to assess the viability of a target organism, in addition to determining its presence. Common culture-based protocols include: (1) bacterial assays that use either selective growth (preferential growth of a bacteria) or non-selective growth (general or non-specific growth) media and colony formation or turbidity as an indicator of bacterial growth and (2) viral assays that use cultured mammalian host cells (e.g., total culturable virus assay [TCVA]) and either cytopathic effects or plaque formation as an indicator of virus growth or replication. Less common, but important for viability assessment, are culture-based protocols for protozoa and helminths.\n\n2. Preferred and definitive method (gold standard) to assess the viability of a target organism, in addition to determining its presence. Common culture-based protocols include: (1) bacterial assays that use either selective growth (preferential growth of a bacteria) or non-selective growth (general or non-specific growth) media and colony formation or turbidity as an indicator of bacterial growth and (2) viral assays that use cultured mammalian host cells (e.g., total culturable virus assay [TCVA]) and either cytopathic effects or plaque formation as an indicator of virus growth or replication. Less common, but important for viability assessment, are culture-based protocols for protozoa and helminths. [EPA/600/R-18/164.",
  "subject": "Science and research",
  "references": [
    "EPA/600/R-18/164",
    "Environmental Sampling and Analytical Methods (ESAM) Program Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/culture-method/"
}