In fact, there is no standard cultural analysis of total bacteria. In order to count the total bacteria, very special devices and special analysis methods are needed. In the standard analyzes, the number of bacteria obtained under aerobic or anaerobic conditions in the mesophile, psychophile and thermophile groups is determined. Aerobic mesophilic bacteria count is one such method. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria count is a widely used and easily applicable quality standard for foods.

In this method, microorganisms are grown at a temperature of approximately 30 degrees and 48 hours for a general purpose medium for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria count. The total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria is determined by counting the colonies formed.

Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts are performed in cosmetics, detergents and cleaning chemicals along with foods. Some accredited laboratories carry out microbiological analysis studies. These laboratories provide reliable and impartial services, and analyzes and reports are accepted all over the world.

Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria count analyzes performed in laboratories within the scope of microbiological analyzes are complied with the following standard:

• TS EN ISO 21149 Cosmetics - Microbiology - Detection and counting of aerobic mesophilic bacteria

This standard is a general guide for the detection and counting of aerobic mesophilic bacteria found in cosmetics or cleaning products. Basically, this method is applied as follows:

• Enumeration of colonies after growth of aerobic bacteria
• Checking the absence of bacterial growth after development in aerobic environment

However, due to the wide variety of detergent products, this method may not be suitable for some products, for example water immiscible products. This method is suitable for products with a low microbiological risk, such as low water activity products, hydro-alcoholic products and high pH products.