Multiplex cell Contamination Test (McCT) Service

The offered service is designed to sensitively detect 25 potential cell culture contamination such as

Mycoplasma (specification of >11 species; including M. arginini, M. fermentans, M. orale, M. hyorhinis, M. hominis, M. salivarium, M. synoviae, M. pirum, M. gallisepticum, M. pneumoniae and M. yeatsii)
Acholeplasma laidlawii
Squirrel Monkey Retrovirus (SMRV)
Cross-contamination with cells of following origin:
- Human, Monkey, Mouse, Rat, Chinese hamster, Syrian hamster, Dog, Cat, Rabbit, Guinea pig, Pig, Drosophila

Mycoplasma specification enables the identification of contamination sources.

Test specifications

Detection of contaminations is done with specific primer sequences in a multiplex PCR targeting viral, bacterial and cellular genome regions, respectively, and subsequent hybridisation using specific oligonucleotide probes (licensed from the DKFZ, patent pending). McCT detects even low levels of contamination before they become more widespread (detection limits). An internal DNA quality control as well as several positive and negative PCR controls are warranting a service at highest standards.

To be done by the user

Cell line lysate preparation according to the lysate protocol
- required amount: >15µL
- tubes: SafeLock tubes
Complete the Quick Order (customers receive a confirmation Email after submission)
Label sample tubes with:
- the specific sample name as provided in the confirmation Email
Ship samples AND a copy of the confirmation Email to:

Multiplexion, c/o DKFZ, Dept. F020, INF 242, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany

To be done by Multiplexion

Multiplex PCR-based amplification of contaminants
Detection of PCR products by specific oligonucleotide probes
Transfer of result report to customer by Email (the report can be used as certificate for granting agencies and journals)

Turnaround Time

Samples submitted are run in even calendar weeks, with results emailed usually by end of the week.

Customers from Heidelberg should drop off samples in the building INF242 between 10AM and 12AM on Monday for inclusion in that week's processing schedule.
External customers should ship samples to the lab to be received by 12AM Monday for inclusion in that week's processing schedule. Samples received after 12AM Monday through Friday of any given week will be held and processed the following testing week.

How to cite the service?

For Grant and Paper Submissions

What to do with contaminated cell lines?

Different contaminations require different actions. An overview can be found here.
You may use the following protocol to eliminate Mycoplasma from your precious cell lines. The protocol was kindly provided by U. Koch (DKFZ, Heidelberg).
Problems with contaminations? Our check list for sterile work may help.

Please note: This service is FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Do not use in diagnostic procedures.