ATCC offers two ways to test your cell lines for mycoplasma. Positive and negative controls are included with each test and results are available each Friday. Samples can be further tested to determine if the positive DNA is one of the eight commonly encountered mycoplasma species. Direct Culture and Hoechst DNA Staining Mycoplasma Detection Direct culture and Hoechst DNA staining methods are performed simultaneously for each sample and together can detect all species of mycoplasma. Each test includes positive and negative controls.
Complete testing requires three to four weeks.
Penicillin and streptomycin are acceptable. For adherent cell lines, seed a T-25 flask and grow for at least 48 hours. For suspension cells, a small tube of approximately 10 ml of cell suspension, treated as above, is sufficient. A 48-hour culture is preferred. Ship cell cultures at room temperature in a sturdy box to prevent breakage.