MycoAlert
Mycoplasma can influence experimental results obtained for a certain cell line. Therefore, cell culture labs need to check regularly if their cultures are contaminated by mycoplasma species. The MycoAlert™ mycoplasma detection kit from Lonza is specific for mycoplasmal enzymes that are not present in eukaryotic cells. After addition of substrate, a high luminescent signal is created only in viable mycoplasma. Measurements of luminescence are taken before and after addition of the MycoAlert™ substrate. A ratio is created from these measurements.
Ratio interpretation
- < 0.9 negative for mycoplasma
- 0.9 – 1.2 borderline: quarantine cells & retest in 24 h
- > 1.2 mycoplasma contamination
The BMG LABTECH instruments come with the MARS Data Analysis Software that allows users to do calculations and validations to quickly identify samples which may be contaminated.
Examples of MycoAlert assays on BMG LABTECH instruments
