Working in a poorly lit laboratory.

Effect: It will be difficult to visualize the turbidity of the test substance if the laboratory is poorly lit.
Similarly, it is easier to accurately read results in a well-lit room.

Rationale: In the presence of good lighting, visually compare the turbidity of test suspension with that of
the McFarland standardby comparing the clarity of the lines on the Wickerham card.

Inaccurate volume measurements of aliquots during dilution.

Effect: Inaccurate volume measurements of aliquots may result to insufficient or excessive amount of
aliquots in the test tube affecting the concentration of the samples which may lead to erroneous result.

Rationale: Accurate volume measurements is needed to get the correct concentration you will be
needed for the microbial testing.

Over-dilution with sterile water.

Effect: There would be an excess dilution which could change the concentration of the samples resulting
to low number of colonies.

Rationale: necessary to dilute it in

order to achieve a ‘countable’ numberof colonies on the plate