PCR-based mycoplasma testing gives you peace of mind
Our PCR-based mycoplasma detection service can quickly and reliably identify over 60 species of Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, Spiroplasma, and Ureaplasma, giving you the confidence you need in the purity of your cultures to move forward with your research. Our PCR-based mycoplasma testing laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025 certified, and ATCC is a global leader in biomaterial standards and materials, with 95 years of experience.
Regular mycoplasma testing is critical
Common and destructive, mycoplasma contamination can deprive host cells of nutrients and induce global changes in host gene expression—without researchers' knowledge. This affects data reproducibility and experimental results, potentially leading to extensive loss of time and money. Frequent mycoplasma testing is recommended to protect your research.
When to test for mycoplasma
Test your cell lines:
- When you receive a cell line into the laboratory
- After 10 passages
- After preparing a cell bank
- When in doubt
Choose ATCC PCR-based mycoplasma testing
The ATCC PCR-based mycoplasma testing service is:
– Simple. You order and receive a set of easy-to-use Whatman FTA sample collection cards, spot your samples on the cards, and send them to us.
– Fast. Our ATCC experts process your sample, analyze the results, and send you a comprehensive report within 3 to 5 business days.
– Affordable. Discounts are available for larger volumes.
Get the expertise and analysis you need
ATCC scientists use a proprietary PCR-based mycoplasma assay to test your cells.
The assay quickly and reliably detects more than 60 species of mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, Spiroplasma, and Ureaplasma, including the top 8 species most likely to affect cell cultures: M. arginini, M. fermentans, M. hominis, M. hyorhinis, M. orale, M. pirum, M. salivarium, and A. laidlawii.
We’re able to achieve highly specific and accurate results by using a proprietary mix of buffers, dNTPs and thermostable polymerase, combined with universal primers that are specific to the ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) coding region in the genome of multiple mycoplasma species.
We also use a touchdown PCR regimen to increase sensitivity of the assay and enhance specificity. This strategy employs a high annealing temperature in the initial cycle that decreases with subsequent cycles to increase the likelihood of primers binding to the specific targets, reducing the chance that non-specific targets will be amplified. In this case, mycoplasma contamination is easily recognized as a distinct PCR product ranging in size from 434 to 468 base pairs. Our PCR-based mycoplasma detection service can identify target DNA as low as 2.5 fg, yet not cross-react with related bacterial or mammalian genomic DNA.
How to order the ATCC PCR-based mycoplasma testing service
As a global leader in biomaterial standards and materials with 95 years of experience, we’re proud to offer you accurate, rapid results through our PCR-based mycoplasma testing service.
The service is design to be easy and affordable, including a pre-addressed return envelope with the submission form and preparation instructions. You can submit your cells for testing in 3 steps:
- Order the ATCC FTA Sample Collection Kit for PCR-based Mycoplasma Detection Service, and you'll be sent the Universal Mycoplasma Detection Kit.
- Spot your cells onto the supplied Whatman FTA card once the kit arrives. The cards contain chemicals that lyse cells, denature proteins, and protect nucleic acids from nucleases, oxidative degradation, and UV damage.
- Mail the dried sample to ATCC for analysis.
Once we receive your mycoplasma detection kit, our scientists extract the spotted DNA from the FTA cards. You’ll receive a comprehensive report from ATCC scientists within 3 to 5 business days.
