Direct Microscopic Flashcards
What does the direct microscopic method allow analysts to examine in milk?
Numbers of bacterial clumps or somatic cells
This method is also known as the direct microscopic clump (DMC) count.
What can be evaluated simultaneously with the counting of bacterial clumps?
Morphology and arrangement of bacteria
This evaluation helps identify quality problems.
What do large numbers of bacterial clumps indicate?
Mastitis or other abnormal conditions of the udder
This is a significant indicator of udder health.
What term has come to replace ‘leucocytes’ in the context of somatic cells?
Somatic cells
This change reflects a more meaningful expression of body cells associated with the udder.
What is the official term for the microscopic method that counts somatic cells?
Direct microscopic somatic cell count (DMSCC)
This method is recognized for its research findings and application.
How were somatic cell counts previously estimated before the DMSCC?
By one of several other testing methods
These previous methods were less direct than the current microscopic approach.
What is the primary limitation of the direct microscopic method in pasteurized milk?
It is not used to determine compliance with finished standards
This is due to the generally low numbers of bacteria in pasteurized milk.
Why might the direct microscopic method still be useful in quality control?
Large numbers of bacteria in uncultured milk indicate unsanitary conditions
This applies regardless of whether the bacteria are viable.
Fill in the blank: The direct microscopic clump count is used to assess the _______ of milk.
Quality
This assessment can help identify potential health issues in dairy cows.
What does DMC stand for in the context of milk analysis?
Direct Microscopic Count
DMC is used to evaluate the bacterial contamination of raw milk or cream samples.
What is the primary purpose of evaluating the morphology of cells in milk samples?
To suggest the causes of high bacterial counts
This evaluation includes assessing the configuration of clumps and the presence of somatic cells.
True or False: Most dry milk contains a high number of viable bacteria.
False
Most dry milk contains relatively few viable bacteria.
What can microscopic examination of reconstituted dry milk samples provide?
Meaningful information on the previous sanitary history of the product
This examination can serve as a quality control measure.
What is the relative standard deviation (RSDR) in counts made on the same sample of milk?
3.7
This indicates potential for wide interlaboratory differences.
Fill in the blank: The number of somatic cells in raw milk provides a measure of the presence and extent of _______.
mastitis
Somatic cell counts help assess one aspect of raw milk quality.
What are the two types of counts mentioned in the context of milk analysis?
- Direct Microscopic Counts
- Direct Microscopic Somatic Cell Counts
These counts measure bacteria and somatic cells per milliliter or gram of dairy product.
What is the principle behind direct microscopic counts?
Bacteria or somatic cells are transferred to a slide, stained, and counted
This yields the number of cells per milliliter or gram of dairy product.
What type of immersion oil is preferred for microscopy in this context?
Type B (medium viscosity)
The refractive index should be 1.51 to 1.52 at 20°C.
What is the significance of using clear glass slides with etched surfaces?
They allow for confirmation of the correct reading area during analysis
This is important for achieving high accuracy.
How should slides be cleaned for repeated use?
Submerge in hot detergent solution and rinse thoroughly
Alternatively, use appropriate commercial alkaline and/or acid cleaners.
What instrument is mentioned for transferring 0.01-mL quantities?
Metal syringe
This instrument allows for rapid and convenient transfer but can create artifacts in milk films.
What should be done immediately after using a metal syringe?
Disassemble and clean the measuring tube and piston
This prevents residues from drying on the instrument.
What should be avoided when cleaning the syringe barrel and finger grip?
Do not submerge in detergents or solvents.
Proper maintenance prevents contamination and artifacts.
How should the interior of a syringe be cleaned?
Use forced suction or pressure with a rubber bulb and soapless detergent, then rinse with clean water and air-dry.
Acids, alkalis, and ordinary soap solutions should not be used.
What pH level should chemical cleaners be at when used for syringes?
At or near pH 7.0.
This ensures compatibility and safety for the syringe materials.
What is the first step before reassembling a syringe?
Ensure all detergent and milk residues are removed.
Proper cleaning is crucial for accurate results.
What precaution should be taken regarding syringe parts?
Do not interchange parts from one syringe with parts from another.
This prevents compatibility issues and maintains accuracy.
How often should syringes be tested for accuracy?
Annually.
Certification may be required by regulatory agencies.
What should be done if a syringe does not conform to specified milk deliveries?
Replace the syringe.
Ensures reliability in measurements.
How is the calibration of the volumetric load of a syringe determined?
By weight measurements of a representative test charge of milk.
This method ensures precision in delivery.
What is the average weight difference expected in a correctly calibrated syringe after multiple weighings?
0.0103 + 0.0005 g.
This value indicates proper calibration.
What are micro pipeters used for?
Measuring the 0.01-mL milk test portion.
They are preferred instruments due to their precision.
What is the purpose of a bent-point needle in milk testing?
Used for spreading milk or cream over a square centimeter area.
This facilitates even distribution for analysis.
What temperature range is recommended for drying films?
40° to 45°C.
Uniform heat distribution is important for consistent results.
What type of microscope is preferred for milk analysis?
A binocular microscope with a 1.8-mm oil-immersion objective.
Additional features include an Abbe condenser and a numerical aperture of 1.25 or higher.
What is the recommended magnification for oculars in milk testing microscopes?
10x magnification is recommended, with 12.5x to 15x permitted.
This ensures sufficient detail for analysis.
What is the significance of the microscopic factor (MF) in milk analysis?
It determines the amount of milk that can be examined in any one field.
MFs are used to calculate bacterial clumps or somatic cells per field.
What should be ensured about the surface for drying films?
It should be clean, dust-free, and level.
A regulated heat source is also necessary.