Deposit strains with NCTC

There are two main reasons why scientists and clinicians deposit strains with the National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC).  When they isolate a novel species of bacteria, as part of the process of naming and describing the organism, authors are required to deposit the type strain in at least two culture collections located in different countries to comply with the Bacteriological Code.  They must also provide documentary evidence that the strains have been deposited, are viable and available to other researchers without restrictions on their use for taxonomic research.     

Many researchers also ensure the bacterial strains they isolate (eg as part of an outbreak investigation and/or for their particular characteristics) are preserved and available to the wider scientific community by depositing with NCTC. 

Please note:

• there is no charge for depositing strains with NCTC 
• when depositing a proposed novel species of bacteria all information associated with the strain will be held as confidential, and the strain will not be made available by NCTC for three years or until the depositor receives a response to their literature submission. The three years can be prolonged if, in any circumstance, the depositor requires an extension in the future. However, in this case, we rely on depositors keeping us informed on the progress of their publication

NCTC specialises in preserving and distributing bacterial strains of medical importance. Organisms deposited with NCTC are maintained by experienced staff supported by experts in Public Health England’s specialist and reference laboratories who use a combination of traditional and more novel procedures to ensure the integrity of the strains.

If you wish to deposit strains with NCTC, please download and complete our NCTC deposit form. Send the completed form to culturecollections@phe.gov.uk for evaluation. A member of our team will inform you if your strains will be accepted into the collection and explain the next steps of the process.