This document gives an overview of a variety of physical and analytical methods by which bacteria, biofilms, and the interaction of those with antimicrobial compounds can be analysed. For each technique a general overview is given and its current state of the art. The strengths and limitations of each technique to measure microbial samples are given alongside suggestions for future developments.

This document is intended as a guide and a starting point to more specific activities of ISO/TC 201, Surface chemical analysis, in the future, which end in standardized procedures for measurements.