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.