Cell Authentication Can Protect Your Research and Reputation

Why it’s important

Not only is cell authentication required by government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for grant funding, by scientific journals for publication, and for investigational new drug (IND) applications, but working with authenticated cells also can protect your research. Many scientists may not be aware of these requirements and will rely on cells banked in their department’s tank. Do you really know where these banked cells came from and when and who banked them?  If you are not sure of their origins, then they may be misidentified or cross-contaminated. Sharing cells may seem like a quick and inexpensive solution to stretched budgets, but these savings may put your research and reputation at risk.

What’s the solution?

How we can help

We have an extensive cell biology collection of authenticated cell lines. We follow strict quality control protocols in all our cell manufacturing, storage, and shipping processes. When you order cells from us, you will receive thoroughly tested cell lines along with additional product data. 

If you plan to work with existing cells you have on hand, test them. Don’t skip this step! We offer STR profiling testing kits for human cell authentication to establish a DNA fingerprint or confirm your cell line identity. Additionally, we offer a mouse STR assay service that validates the authenticity of mouse cell lines and detects contamination by human and African green monkey DNA. We also have a mycoplasma testing service.

Use ATCC cell lines and test your cell lines regularly according to this guide:

• When you receive a cell line into your laboratory
• After 10 passages
• After preparing a cell bank
• When in doubt

Did you know?

ATCC has a collection of over 4000 authenticated cell lines.