Regular vessel sampling, metabolite tests, including glucose or protein concentrations, pH, conductivity and cell density measurements, ensure the final product meets customer specifications. Performing electrophoretic analysis can confirm product purity and concentration. A CEPA cooled continuous centrifuge can harvest up to 2.5 kg of biomass. Two, variable speed, cooled centrifuges are also used for harvesting smaller quantities of cells. Cells can be supplied as a suspension, a pellet or as a pellet and supernatant, cooled or frozen, popcorn or spaghetti , or as a macerated frozen powder specific to customer requirements.
Further purification using a cross flow filtration system is also possible.
Development of this and other purification methods aim to provide concentrated protein fractions specific to customer requirements. Order forms are obtainable from the department, as a down-loadable pdf file or as an online order form on the Intranet. Because approval is site specific orders from other ICRF sites will have to be reassessed and approved by the Clare Hall Committee. Every effort is made to supply the ordered material as soon as possible after safety approval. At present there is no cross-charge to departments for the service.