Hello!
Has it happened to you that the fetal bovine serum is contaminating and eventually (not immediately) your cells become contaminated? If so, what did you do to fix the problem?
Thank you!!!
if you suspect your FBS is contaminated you need to throw it away.
Yes, it is possible for fetal bovine serum (FBS) to become contaminated and subsequently lead to contamination of cell cultures. Contaminants in FBS can include bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, and viruses. If you suspect that your FBS is contaminated and it has resulted in contamination of your cell cultures, there are several steps you can take to address the problem:
1. Identify the source of contamination: Perform appropriate tests and analysis to confirm that the contamination is indeed originating from the FBS. This may involve testing the FBS itself for microbial contaminants or comparing the growth of cells cultured with contaminated FBS versus uncontaminated FBS.
2. Quarantine or discard contaminated FBS: Once you have identified that the FBS is the source of contamination, it is essential to prevent further contamination by isolating or disposing of the contaminated batch. Do not use it for any future cell culture experiments.
3. Thoroughly clean the cell culture environment: Contamination can spread within the laboratory environment, so it is crucial to thoroughly clean and disinfect all equipment, surfaces, and incubators used for cell culture. Use appropriate disinfectants, such as 70% ethanol, to clean the surfaces.
4. Replace FBS with a new batch: Obtain a fresh, uncontaminated batch of FBS from a reliable source. Ensure that the FBS meets the required quality standards, such as being sterile and tested for contaminants. It is advisable to establish a relationship with a reputable supplier to ensure consistent quality.
5. Test new FBS batch: Before using the new batch of FBS in cell culture experiments, consider testing it to ensure its quality. This can involve performing sterility testing, mycoplasma testing, and other relevant tests based on the specific contaminants that caused the previous contamination.
6. Monitor cell cultures closely: After introducing the new batch of FBS, closely monitor your cell cultures for any signs of contamination. Regularly inspect cultures under a microscope for visual signs of contamination, such as cell morphology changes, presence of debris, or abnormal growth patterns. Additionally, perform routine mycoplasma testing to ensure the absence of mycoplasma contamination.
7. Implement good cell culture practices: Maintain strict aseptic techniques, including proper sterile handling of reagents, tools, and cell cultures. This helps minimize the risk of contamination and ensures the integrity of your experiments.
By taking these steps, you can effectively address contamination issues arising from contaminated FBS and prevent further contamination of your cell cultures. It is important to establish a robust quality control system for FBS usage and to regularly monitor and maintain the sterility of your cell culture environment.
You're welcome, Maria Fernanda Rosado! I'm glad to hear that my answer was useful to you. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
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