SURREY DIAGNOSTICS
PCR SERVICES
MYCOPLASMA TESTING
Contamination by Mycoplasmas and Acholeplasmas (Mollicutes) is one of the most frequently occurring problems associated with cell cultures and by affecting many different biological aspects of the infected culture, leads to unreliable experimental results and potentially harmful biological products derived from the cells.
Routine testing for Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma contamination is therefore essential to ensure reliable research results and high quality biotechnological products.
Several surveys have shown that 15 to 80% of cell cultures tested were contaminated with mollicutes, but typically this is not always easily detected as it produces neither turbidity in the culture (an easily observed effect of bacterial contamination) or the cytopathic effects often seen with viral contamination. (read more...)
Using the most up to date Real-Time PCR methods Surrey Diagnostics can rapidly screen your cell cultures for contaminating Mycoplasma / Acholeplasma species and give a simple positive or negative result in as little as just 24 hours. The sensitivity and accuracy of the test are both extremely high, giving you the confidence
you require.
Our microbiology laboratory also allows us to culture samples for all species of Mycoplasmas, giving a second independent method of detection or confirmation if required. This technique can require up to two weeks for a result.
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SENDING SAMPLES FOR MYCOPLASMA TESTING
Cells should be grown for a minimum of two passages in antibiotic free
medium as antibiotics depress mycoplasma growth. Cells should be harvested
when they (as well as any mycoplasma) are growing rapidly. For adherent
cells, they should be harvested when they are 50-90% confluent. Suspension cells
should be harvested when in log-phase growth. Adherent cells should be
harvested by scraping and not with trypsin or EDTA, as these treatments may
strip away any adherent mycoplasmas. For adherent cells, about 100,000
cells should be supplied in 1ml medium in a 1.5ml centrifuge tube (the cells can be stored at -80C for up to 6 months). For suspension cells, about 100,000 cells plus
medium should be supplied in a 1.5ml centrifuge tube. It is not important whether or not there is DMSO in the medium. These samples should be sent with sufficient dry-ice to keep them frozen.
COSTS FOR
MYCOPLASMA TESTING
| Number of Samples |
Cost per Sample |
| 1 - 4 |
£37.00 |
| 5 - 9 |
£30.00 |
| 10 - 19 |
£25.00 |
| 20 - 29 |
£20.00 |
| 30 - 49 |
£18.00 |
| 50 - 74 |
£15.00 |
| 75 + |
£12.50 |
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If you are interested in any of our PCR testing services
we can be contacted in the following ways :
Telephone 01483 268300 or 07778 010184
Fax 01483 266537
mycoplasma @ surrey-diagnostics.co.uk
