What is the meaning of UFC in microbiology?

In microbiology, UFC stands for "Units Forming Colonies." It is a measurement used to estimate the number of viable microorganisms in a sample, typically expressed as colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). This metric helps quantify microbial populations in various contexts, such as food safety, water quality, and clinical diagnostics. By counting the colonies that develop from a sample, researchers can assess the degree of contamination or the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments.