FAQ related to human and animal cell Lines
This page provides information about the handling of human and animal cell lines.
For questions related to the ordering of cell lines please see our FAQ here or download our short guideline on how to order from the DSMZ.
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How long does the elimination procedure take?
Depending on the antibiotic used, the eradication procedure takes at least four to five weeks.
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How is mycoplasma elimination performed at the DSMZ?
We apply different antibiotics to eliminate the mycoplasmas. After treatment, the cell cultures are further cultured for at least two weeks without antibiotics. Two independent detection assays are then performed (PCR and microbiological culture). When the cultures are free from mycoplasma, the cells are expanded and five ampoules are frozen as stocks. Four ampoules are sent to the client and one stored for about six months in case of recurrence contamination.
For further details on the elimination procedure and the antibiotics applied, please refer to the following publication:
Uphoff C.C., Drexler H..G (2002) Comparative antibiotic eradication of mycoplasma infections from continuous cell lines. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 38: 86-89. doi.org/10.1290/1071-2690(2002)038<0079:CPAFDO>2.0.CO;2