Statistical validation of tee track-dilution plating method from ground beef and carcass surface samples

A rapid and easy method of obtaining a viable culture count, the Track-Dilu tion method, was evaluated and compared to Spiral Plating to obtain viable culture counts fi om ground beef samples and beef carcass surface tissue sa mples inoculated with salmonellae or Escherichia coli O157:H7. Based on the statistical analysis of the dataset (n = 125 samples), the Track-Dilution method results were not different (P > 0.1) than those obtained from Spiral Plating. Linear correlation of the scatterplot of Spiral Plating and Track -Dilution indicated a high level of agreement between these two methods (r( 2) = 0.97). The Track-Dilution method was a valid method for estimating via ble culture counts for meat animal-derived samples with bacterial counts of more than 100 cfu/mL.