Mycoplasma Test

Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living organisms and considered to be the simplest of bacteria. Mycoplasma contamination of cell cultures has been a nightmare to cell culturists. It can drastically alter your cells and consequently, skew your research results.

We provide mycoplasma test by PCR and electrophoresis. The primer set allows sensitive and specific detection of several different species of Mycoplasma, (M. fermentans, M. hyorhinis, M. arginini, M. orale, M. salivarium, M. hominis, M. pulmonis, M. arthritidis, M. neurolyticum, M. hyopneumoniae, M. capricolum ) and one species of Ureaplasma (U. urealyticum).

Mycoplasma Test Sample Preparation & Submission Instructions

1. We receive both cell culture media and genomic DNA samples for this test.

  • a) For cell culture media samples, sample media must be obtained from cell culture that has been grown for at least 72 hours with 80% – 95% confluence. Centrifuge at 2000g for 3 minutes to pellet cells and submit 1ml of cell culture media in 1.5ml microcentrifuge tubes.
  • b) For genomic DNA samples, at least 20 μl genomic DNA with a concentration of more than 50 ng/μl can be provided for detection.

2. Clearly label Sample Name, Person Name, and Submission Date on both the cap and the side of the tube with a blue or black permanent marker. (Samples can be frozen at -20 °C for up to 1 week before submission, but prevent freeze/thaw cycle.)

3. Please fill out the sample submission form. External users please ship the samples to below address. Internal users at Illinois, please email Hui Xu (huixu@illinois.edu) to schedule a time to drop the samples at Beckman Institute Room B410 during work hours.

Hui Xu

405 N. Mathews

Urbana, IL 61801

 

Note:

TEP does not accept cultures infected with HIV or Biosafety Level 3 or 4 agents. To the best of knowledge, the cell line being submitted should be free of hazardous materials, agents, and carcinogens.

 

Sample Submission

Returning users, please submit orders on the online ordering system FBS.

First-time users, please email huixu@illinois.edu to set up an account.