Microbial Enumeration & Viability Measurements

This working group will focus on developing standard methods for enumerating whole cell reference materials.

The goal of this working group is to advance measurements and standards for quantifying total and differential microbial cell counts, including viability.

The International Microbiome and Multi'Omics Standards Alliance invites participants to join the IMMSA Cell Enumeration and Viability (Cell E&V) working group.

·      The working group is a collection of scientists, engineers, and other professionals working collaboratively towards improving the enumeration and viability measurements for microbial samples. The working group welcomes people from academia, industry, government, or other sectors.

·      The group meets once a month, Thursdays at 12 pm ET (10 am MT/9 am PT) and shares documents on Google Drive. 

o   Upcoming meeting dates: November 21st, December 12th, January 16th, and February 13th.

·      In order to sign up for the working group email list, please join IMMSA and ask to be added to this working group. (Email kirsten.parratt@nist.gov for technical issues)

·      Current co-chairs are: Leka Papazisi (ATCC), Kirsten Parratt (NIST), and Sangeeta Khare (FDA). IMMSA Steering Committee Members: Nancy J. Lin (NIST), Scott Tighe (UVM)

Call for participation in an interlaboratory study focused on total cell body enumeration method characterization:

In 2025, the IMMSA-Cell E&V working group is planning to launch an interlaboratory study focused on total cell body enumeration method characterization. The goal is to evaluate variability in microbial enumeration across methods and labs, and survey measurement capabilities in the WG; it is not a performance or proficiency test.

We are currently in the planning stages for this study including determining: sample characteristics, experimental design, and paperwork/MTA requirements. We welcome participation from new members. The target start date for sample distribution is May 2025. For more information on the study or how you can participate, please email kirsten.parratt@nist.gov.