ATCC Launches New PCR-based Mycoplasma Detection Service

ATCC, the premier global biological materials resource and standards organization and the leading supplier of authenticated cells and advanced cell models, today announced the availability of its new PCR-based service to detect mycoplasma contamination in cell cultures. This growing service portfolio is part of a larger effort by ATCC to support the authentication of cell lines used in basic and translational research and complements the STR Profiling Service.

ATCC has long recognized the growing challenges among the scientific community for adventitious agent contamination included in cell-based research. It is estimated that roughly 15-35% of continuous cell cultures will become contaminated with mycoplasma,^1-2 and can lead to irreproducible data, misinterpretation of results, the loss of valuable cell lines, and extensive costs in time and money.

To address the negative research outcomes caused by mycoplasma, ATCC has developed a PCR-based mycoplasma detection service (ATCC 136-XV); this service is one of the first to combine easy-to-use Whatman FTA sample collection cards with ATCC’s best-selling Universal Mycoplasma Detection Kit. This new technology enables reliable detection of more than 60 species of mycoplasma, including top cell culture contaminants.

“With the ever-growing use of cell lines in cancer research, drug discovery and development, and biopharmaceutical production, it becomes even more critical that cell line models are authenticated and free from contamination,” states Dr. Maryellen de Mars, Vice President, ATCC Standards Resource Center. “With the new ATCC PCR-based mycoplasma detection service, researchers can now be assured of the purity of their cell cultures and the validity of their results within 3 to 5 business days.”

Learn more about this service by visiting: ATCC's PCR-based mycoplasma testing service.

1. Drexler HG, Uphoff CC. Mycoplasma contamination of cell cultures: Incidence, sources, effects, detection, elimination, prevention. Cytotechnology 39(2): 75-90, 2002. PubMed: 19003295
2. McGarrity GJ, Constantopoulos G, Barranger JA. Effect of mycoplasma infection on pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity of normal and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex-deficient fibroblasts. Exp Cell Res 151(2): 557-562, 1984. PubMed: 6423397

ATCC is a premier global biological materials and information resource and standards organization and the leading developer and supplier of authenticated cell lines, microorganisms, and associated data for academia, industry, and government. With a history of scientific contributions spanning nearly a century, ATCC offers an unmatched combination of being the world’s largest and most diverse collection of biological reference materials and data, and is a mission-driven, trusted partner that supports and encourages scientific collaboration. ATCC products, services, partnerships, and people provide the global scientific community with credible, advanced, model systems to support complex research and innovations in basic science, drug discovery, translational medicine, and public health. ATCC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with headquarters in Manassas, Virginia, and a research and technology center of excellence in Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

Contact: Kim Testa, senior director, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, ATCC, [email protected]