IDEXX Laboratories Inc., of Westbrook, Maine, launched the SlimPlate™ for HPC as a completely new way to test for heterotrophic plate counts. It eliminates the need for media preparation and produces easy-to-read results. The sterile, disposable plates come with MET-based media especially optimized for water testing. Yields count up to 738 per plate, which correlate with the USEPA-approved pour plate method. On March 7, 2002 the product was proposed for approval by the USEPA.