The process of stepwise dilution of a substance in solution is a technique fundamental to various scientific disciplines. It involves repeatedly diluting a stock solution to create a series of solutions with decreasing concentrations. A common method uses a consistent dilution factor at each step; for example, taking one part of the previous dilution and adding it to nine parts of a diluent to achieve a 1:10 dilution. This process is repeated as many times as necessary to reach the desired concentration range.
This methodology is vital in microbiology for quantifying bacterial populations, in chemistry for preparing standard curves, and in pharmacology for determining drug efficacy. Its accuracy allows for the precise creation of solutions with extremely low concentrations, beyond the direct measuring capability of many instruments. The technique has been employed for decades, becoming a cornerstone in research and quality control environments.
