Four methods were tested for enumerating bacteria present in the absorbent pads (AP) used in packaging chicken and other meats. Viable counts were ascertained at day 0 and day 7 (d0 and d7, respectively). Sampling bacterial cells from AP were carried out using a countertop blender, Stomacher, sonication, and blender in combination to sonication. The release of bacterial cells by breaking down the AP with the blender resulted in the highest CFU counts. At d0, a bacterial recovery rate of 94% was obtained with the blender, while the recovery rates using Stomacher or sonication alone were 58% and 73%, respectively. At d7, the Stomacher treatment also gave the lowest colony forming unit (CFU) values in the AP incubated at 7 °C. Sonication of the AP prior to homogenization with the blender did not increase CFU counts. Results suggested that breaking down the AP with a blender gives higher CFU levels than the Stomacher, which is the most commonly used technique for this purpose.

测试了四种方法来计算用于包装鸡肉和其他肉类的吸水垫 (AP) 中存在的细菌。在第 0 天和第 7 天（分别为第 0 天和第 7 天）确定活细胞计数。使用台面搅拌器、Stomacher、超声处理和搅拌器结合超声处理从 AP 中取样细菌细胞。通过用搅拌器分解 AP 释放细菌细胞导致最高的 CFU 计数。在第 0 天，使用搅拌器获得的细菌回收率为 94%，而单独使用 Stomacher 或超声处理的回收率分别为 58% 和 73%。在第 7 天，Stomacher 处理也给出了在 7°C 下孵育的 AP 中最低的菌落形成单位 (CFU) 值。在用搅拌器均质化之前对 AP 进行超声处理不会增加 CFU 计数。