The offered service is designed to detect 28 potential cell culture contamination such as

• Mycoplasma (Identification of 14 specific strains: M. arginini, M. fermentans, M. orale, M. hyorhinis, M. hominis, M. genitalium, M. salivarium, M. synoviae, M. pirum, M. gallisepticum, M. pneumoniae, M. yeatsii, Spiroplasma citri and Acholeplasma laidlawii)
• Squirrel Monkey Retrovirus (SMRV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
• Cross-contamination with cells of following origin:
  • Human, Monkey, Mouse, Rat, Chinese hamster, Syrian hamster, Dog, Cat, Rabbit, Guinea pig, Pig, Drosophila

Detection of more than 100 additional Mycoplasma strains by proprietary universal probes. This service detects all Mollicutes mentioned in the European Pharmacopoeia 2.6.7. Identification of Mycoplasma species enables tracing of Mycoplasma contamination sources.

 

Test specifications

Detection of contaminations is done with specific primer sequences in a multiplex PCR targeting viral, bacterial and cellular genome regions, respectively, and subsequent hybridisation using specific oligonucleotide probes (licensed from the DKFZ, patent granted WO 2009/109611). Even low levels of contamination are detected before they become more widespread. An internal DNA quality control as well as several positive and negative PCR controls are warranting a service at highest standards.

 

 

To be done by Multiplexion

• Multiplex PCR-based amplification of contaminants
• Detection of PCR products by specific oligonucleotide probes
• Transfer of result report to customer by Email (the report can be used as certificate for granting agencies and journals)

 

Turnaround Time

Samples submitted are run in even calendar weeks, with results emailed usually by end of the week.

• Customers from Heidelberg can drop off samples in the building INF242 between 9 AM and 12 AM each Friday.
• External customers should ship samples to the lab to be received by Friday for inclusion in the next week's processing schedule. Samples received Monday through Friday of any given week will be held and processed the following testing week.

 

How to cite the service?

For Grant and Paper Submissions

 

What to do with contaminated cell lines?

• Different contaminations require different actions. An overview can be found here.
• You may use the following protocol to eliminate Mycoplasma from your precious cell lines. The protocol was kindly provided by U. Koch (DKFZ, Heidelberg).
• Problems with contaminations? Our check list for sterile work may help.

 

Please note: This service is FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Do not use in diagnostic procedures.