Used in microbiological testing to detect and enumerate enterococci in water, food, and environmental samples. The membrane filter technique involves filtering a liquid sample through the membrane, which traps bacteria. The membrane is then placed on the agar and incubated. Enterococci grow as distinct colonies, often with characteristic color changes, allowing for easy identification and counting. This selective medium contains inhibitors to suppress the growth of other bacteria, such as gram-negative organisms and fungi, ensuring specific detection of enterococci as indicators of fecal contamination. This method is widely applied in public health and water quality monitoring to assess safety standards.