Cell Culture, Virology and Serology Service

Susan R. Compton, PhD

Director

Research Scientist, Section of Comparative Medicine

Frank Paturzo, B.S.

Manager 

The Cell Culture, Virology and Serology Service provides expertise in cell culture and in the detection and diagnosis of viral infections in laboratory rodents and cultured cells and transplantable tumors.

Standard services:

• Testing for detection of human- and animal-derived Mycoplasma species and viruses that may contaminate cell cultures
• Isolation and identification of viruses of laboratory rodents, including zoonotic agents
• Advice on maintenance and cryopreservation of cultured cells

Custom services:

• Maintenance of continuous cell lines after certification of Mycoplasma-negative status
• Preparation of virus-infected cells for use in immunofluorescence serology
• Provision of stocks of selected mammalian viruses and corresponding antisera
• Virus isolations from animal tissues or cell culture and virus quantification

Guide for Clients:

The impact of adventitious agents on biomedical research involving rodents and cultured cells is widely appreciated. This support service can assist with monitoring animals and cells for infection with a variety of viruses and Mycoplasma species. For example, the laboratory provides results for Mycoplasma and a basic panel of three zoonotic and several other high-risk viruses of mice within seven to ten days of receipt. The test panel and cost vary with the species of origin.

Staff in the laboratory have cumulative experience of greater than forty years of maintaining cultured cells, preparing diagnostic reagents and detecting and quantifying infectious viruses in cell cultures and animal organs. These services can be customized based on client needs. We are also happy to advise users on basic cell culture and cryopreservation techniques.

 Getting started:

We strongly recommend that you consult with the lab director or manager prior to submitting materials to the lab. We will assist you in determining which tests may be required and how much material we will need to accomplish your goals. For instance, if you wish to have cultured cells tested for infectious contaminants, the appropriate test panel will depend on whether your cells are destined for use in animals or will be maintained strictly in culture.

 Fees:

The Cell Culture, Virology, Serology Support Service gives you considerable flexibility in the selection of services. A Request for Services form will be filled out in consultation with the lab director or manager prior to submission of materials to the service.

You may have additional questions beyond those covered in this brief introduction. To find out more about the service or to schedule an initial consultation, contact us as shown below.