Human Cell Line Authentication Testing

Cell line integrity is of utmost importance

Inadvertent cell line contamination has been a major problem for biomedical researchers with estimates that 18-36% of all cell lines are either misidentified or cross-contaminated with another cell line[1]; cell line integrity is of utmost importance since the validity of the data obtained often depends on the identity of the cell line or stem cells used. The National Institutes of Health[2] recommends validation of cell lines for grant applications and many journals such as those published by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)[3] and Nature have guidelines for cell line authentication prior to publication.

STR DNA Profiling for Human Cell Line Authentication

Short tandem repeat DNA profiling

The short tandem repeat DNA profiling (STR DNA profiling, STR DNA typing, STR DNA test, and also known as DNA fingerprinting) offers the greatest value for cell line identity verification (cell line authentication). The process of obtaining a DNA profile using highly polymorphic STR repeats includes the isolation of DNA from a human cell line or other research specimen, the amplification of targeted areas of that DNA, and analysis of the amplified product using a genetic analyzer. STR DNA typing generates reproducible data in a format suitable to reference cell line database or patient sample comparison. Labcorp's laboratory procedures for cell line authentication comply with the guidelines set forth by the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) SDO Workgroup ASN-0002 Standards document [4], as well as with the requirements of other leading scientific organizations.

Labcorp provides reliable, fast, and affordable human cell line authentication services, using STR DNA typing to assist the scientific community in accurate identification of specimens used in research and drug development. Our standard human cell line authentication test involves generating STR DNA profiles of the submitted cell lines or other research specimens for 15 independent genetic sites and amelogenin [the sex identity locus].

NEW! Single MOUSE marker included

NEW! All of our human cell line authentication report options include a single MOUSE marker for the detection of mouse DNA contamination, especially helpful for researchers who are using mouse/human xenograft models and/or human and mouse cell lines simultaneously. The test can also be used to confirm that a mouse cell line is NOT cross-contaminated with a human cell line or confirmation of the presence of mouse cells. We can detect as low as 0.5% contaminating mouse DNA.

At Labcorp, we make cell line authentication easy and affordable. Simply click on the "Pricing" tab for service costs, call us or submit a "Contact Us" form to get started. We will then assist you in setting up your human cell line authentication test. Once we receive your samples, you will have your cell line authentication report and data typically within 2-3 business days!

STR DNA profiling offers a fast, affordable, and effective way of human cell line authentication:

PowerPlex® 16 HS (Promega Corporation) -- Multiplex STR technology provides high resolution typing with 15 autosomal loci and 1 gender determination marker; test includes a mouse marker for the detection of mouse DNA
Highly informative and unambiguous
Highly sensitive - Detects as low as 300 picograms of human genomic DNA (about 50 diploid cells); can detect as low as 5% contaminating human DNA and as low as 0.5% contaminating mouse DNA
Rapid - Results typically available in 2-3 business days from receipt of samples
Inexpensive - ask about volume discounts
Generates reproducible data in a format suitable for reference cell line database comparison

Genetic Site (Locus)	16 Genetic Sites	ATCC^®
Human Specific	PowerPlex^® 16HS	Reference Profile
D8S1179	yes	No
D21S11	yes	No
D7S820	yes	yes
CSF1PO	yes	yes
D3S1358	yes	No
TH01	yes	yes
D13S317	yes	yes
D16S539	yes	yes
vWA	yes	yes
TPOX	yes	yes
D18S51	yes	No
D5S818	yes	yes
FGA	yes	No
Amelogenin	yes	yes
Penta D	yes	No
Penta E	yes	No
Mouse Marker	yes	No

Human Cell Line Authentication Report Options

Option #1 - Data Only

Excel worksheet of all analyzed STR profiles of all samples submitted in one batch plus peak data (electropherogram); great choice for routine cell line authentication testing as part of your internal quality control system; also a great choice for researchers with a tight budget. We provide a step-by-step "how-to" document to help you determine whether your cell line is authentic or not.

Option #2 - DNA Profile Report

Report of tested cell line's STR profile plus peak data (electropherogram); signed report showing STR DNA profile of submitted cell line - economical choice for when a signed report is needed. We provide a step-by-step "how-to" document to help you determine whether your cell line is authentic or not.

Option #3 and #4 - Comparative Analysis Report

Comparative Analysis Report of tested cell line's STR profile compared to a reference cell line database STR profile (Option #3) or submitted reference specimen (Option #4; from donor OR earlier passage of submitted cell line) plus peak data (electropherogram) - includes percent match and Masters algorithm calculations between the submitted cell line and a specified reference cell line or sample - all-inclusive option for cell line authentication testing as this report will indicate whether the submitted cell line/sample is authenticated, misidentified or "unique" among repository reference profiles.

**Electropherogram data (peak data) is included FREE with every sample you submit**

Get Pricing

Sample Information

Sample Types Accepted

Genomic DNA (ship at ambient temperature)
Fresh cell pellets (ship on dry ice/ice packs)
Frozen cell pellets (ship on dry ice/ice packs)
Dried cell pellets (ship at ambient temperature)
Other specimens such as tissue (FFPE and/or fresh) and blood (inquire on shipping requirements) - additional cost may be incurred

Sample Preparation Requirements

Ask your Labcorp cell line testing representative for DETAILED specimen preparation requirements and a copy of the Submission Form prior to shipping.

Fresh or frozen cell pellet
Please provide between 100,000 and 5 million cells (ideally we need at least 1 million cells; note the total cell count on the Submission Form) in a 2.0 mL skirted screw-cap tube (please do not submit samples in any type of cryovial, those do NOT fit in a tabletop centrifuge)
For fresh cells, wash the cells in buffer prior to shipping to remove any traces of media or trypsin and note the storage medium on the Submission Form (e.g., buffer, etc.).
For frozen cell pellets be sure to note the storage medium on the Submission Form (e.g., cryopreservative, etc.).
Must be shipped on dry ice/ice packs overnight
Dried cell pellet
Please provide between 100,000 and 5 million cells (ideally we need at least 1 million cells; note the total cell count on the Submission Form) in a 2.0 mL skirted screw-cap tube (please do not submit samples in any type of cryovial, those do NOT fit in a tabletop centrifuge)
Wash the cells in buffer prior to drying the pellet to remove any traces of media or trypsin
Please be sure that the pellet is completely dry (no residual liquid) using a vacuum system like a SpeedVac (speed drying only - no/low heat only)
Can be shipped at ambient temperature
Genomic DNA
We accept the DNA extract for testing at a reduced cost per sample.
Please put the DNA concentration of the sample on the Submission Form
Minimum volume: 20uL
Minimum concentration: 10ng/uL
We can accept less than this but please notify us first
A DNA:RNA ratio of 1.7-2.0 provides the best results
Can be shipped at ambient temperature

If the sample you wish to submit is not listed above, please Contact Us or call us at 1-800-IDENTITY (433-6848) or (1-513-985-9777 INTL) to see if we can help you with your specific sample.

It is recommended that human cell line authentication be performed:

At an early passage - in order to establish the cell line identity (especially for "in-house" created cell lines; compare to patient tissue or sample)
Before beginning a new series of experiments
Every two months that the culture is actively growing
When a novel phenotypic behavior is noted
When the cell line is not behaving as expected and/or experimental results are not reproducible
After creating derivatives of any source cell line
Following phenotypic selection (e.g., for drug resistance, etc.)
At the end of a series of experiments and/or project
Before freezing down stocks or working banks
Before submission of grant applications and/or before manuscript submissions

These steps are crucial to the success of the research project and to the acceptance of the research in the scientific community. Please refer to the suggested references for additional details on cell line authentication.

Results You Can Trust!

Labcorp is one of the most experienced providers of DNA identity testing services worldwide. As a leading DNA testing service provider, we are committed to providing our clients with high quality cell line authentication results delivered with unmatched service and satisfaction, product specialization and technical expertise.