Agarose gel electrophoresis may be employed effectively for the detection and preliminary characterization of plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) present in clinical isolates and laboratory strains of gram-negative microorganisms. The method is sensitive and does not require radioisotopes or ultracentrifugation. The estimation of plasmid mass from the extent of DNA migration in gels compares favorably with results obtained by electron microscopy of plasmid DNA purified by equilibrium density centrifugation. The method has proved to be a useful tool for survey work and the epidemiological investigation of plasmid dissemination, as well as an important adjunct to the genetic analysis of plasmids.