Frozen cell lines
Upon receiving a shipment of frozen cells it is important that the end user gives the shipment attention without delay. The technical advice accompanying the cell lines should be consulted before removing ampoules from the dry ice. Correct handling immediately upon receipt is critical to successfully establishing the cell line in the end user’s laboratory.
At the time a cell line is ordered from ECACC, end users should also consider the culture conditions for the new cell line and make sure the appropriate medium will be available when the cells arrive.
Upon receipt, frozen ampoules should be transferred directly to gaseous phase liquid nitrogen without delay, unless they are to be used straight away. DO NOT use a -80°C freezer as an alternative; this will result in loss of viability.
For the majority of cell lines there are approximately 2- 4 x 106 cells per frozen vial (1 ml per vial). Immediately post resuscitation of cell cultures it is important to perform a viable cell count to use when seeding the cells. Do not simply rely on the viable cell count figure provided. This will enable you to seed at the correct viable cell density.
Growing cell lines
Growing cultures can be provided for most cell lines and are particularly valuable for people with less experience of growing cells or for cell lines that are known to be difficult to resuscitate. They are provided in plastic flasks in transport medium that does not contain any antibiotics.
Growing cell cultures should be checked on receipt using an inverted microscope. If you have any problems or queries email or phone us +44 (0)1980 612684.
Check the cell density. Immediately check the cells upon arrival for any obvious defects by using an inverted microscope. Lay the flask flat in an incubator under the conditions described in the cell line data and incubate overnight. Alternatively, if the cell density is too high (more than 80% confluent) subculture the cells (harvest and reseed) immediately. Follow the guidance for adherent or suspension cells below:
Adherent cell lines |
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Suspension cell lines |
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