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Mycoplasma is a common contaminant in cell culture, but may be difficult to detect. While most bacteria and fungi cause an obvious change in a culture flask, even to the naked eye, Mycoplasma does not usually cause cloudiness within the culture medium and cannot be seen under the microscope. Some subtle changes may occur - for example, Mycoplasma contamination may alter cell growth - but often there are no overt signs of contamination.
We test for Mycoplasma using:
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The MycoAlert® Mycoplasma Detection kit from Lonza
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PCR directed against multiple Mycoplasma species
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Direct staining of Mycoplasma with DAPI
Together the first two methods are used in our rapid Mycoplasma test method (turnaround time 5 days), providing sensitive detection of a broad range of Mycoplasma species known to contaminate cultured cell lines. We can also significantly increase our level of Mycoplasma detection as well as eliminating compounds that interfere with detection methods through enrichment of medium on an indicator cell line. Enrichment increases the sensitivity of the assay (as tested with M. arginini) from less than 500 cfu/mL, for the rapid method, to less than 10 cfu/mL.
Identification of Mycoplasma Species
Researchers may be interested in tracking the source of their Mycoplasma infection or would like to determine if the contamination was originated from the same source. CellBank Australia is able to identify all of the Mycoplasma species found in cell cultures as well as most of the Mycoplasma species that are known to infect humans.
Mycoplasma species known to contaminate cell cultures and humans
Preparation of Samples for Mycoplasma Testing
If you wish to send us a sample for Mycoplasma testing or for species identification, we require approximately 0.5ml of medium collected from your cell line. Cells should be cultured in the absence of antibiotic for at least a week and centrifuged to remove cell debris. Medium may be sent at room temperature if arriving within 24-48 hours of sampling but otherwise should be sent on dry ice. Medium from cultured cells should be shipped in accordance with IATA rules and regulations regarding appropriate packaging for shipping of hazardous substances. You will need to fill out and return a completed Request for Mycoplasma Analysis form before sending your samples.
Mycoplasma Testing Options
The Mycoplasma testing service options are:
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Mycoplasma testing (detection)
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Price
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Mycoplasma Rapid test (MycoAlert/PCR)
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$196.00 per sample
$147.00 per sample (8 or more samples)
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Mycoplasma Enrichment & MycoAlert/PCR
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$296.00 per sample
$222.00 per sample (8 or more samples)
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Mycoplasma Enrichment & MycoAl./PCR + DAPI staining
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$396.00 per sample
$297.00 per sample (8 or more samples)
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Mycoplasma testing (species identification)
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Price
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Mycoplasma Rapid test (MycoAlert/PCR) + species identification
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$235.20 per sample
$176.40 per sample (8 or more samples)
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Mycoplasma Rapid test (MycoAlert only) + species identification
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$196.00 per sample
$147.00 per sample (8 or more samples)
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Mycoplasma species identification only
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$55.00 per sample
$30.00 per sample (8 or more samples)
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To find out more about the Mycoplasma testing services or for further information on Mycoplasma please refer to our Mycoplasma technical information page.
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