Bacterial count refers to the measurement of the number of bacteria present in a specific sample, such as food, water, or clinical specimens. This count is important for assessing the safety and quality of products, as high levels of bacteria can indicate contamination or spoilage. Methods for determining bacterial count include culturing techniques and automated systems that provide rapid results. In laboratories, bacterial count is often expressed in terms of colony-forming units (CFUs) per milliliter or gram. Monitoring bacterial count is crucial in various fields, including food safety, water quality, and medical diagnostics, to ensure public health and safety.