Total Plate Count (TPC) is a method used to estimate the number of viable microorganisms in a sample, such as food or water. This technique involves diluting the sample, spreading it on an agar plate, and incubating it to allow bacteria to grow. The resulting colonies are then counted to determine the total number of viable organisms present. TPC is important for assessing the quality and safety of products. High counts may indicate contamination or poor hygiene practices, while low counts suggest better quality. This method is commonly used in the food industry and laboratories to ensure compliance with health standards and regulations.