| Abstract: | Cell-line misidentification and contamination with microorganisms, such asmycoplasma, together with instability, both genetic and phenotypic, are amongthe problems that continue to affect cell culture. Many of these problems areavoidable with the necessary foresight, and these Guidelines have been preparedto provide those new to the field and others engaged in teaching and instructionwith the information necessary to increase their awareness of the problems andto enable them to deal with them effectively. The Guidelines cover areas such asdevelopment, acquisition, authentication, cryopreservation, transfer of celllines between laboratories, microbial contamination, characterisation,instability and misidentification. Advice is also given on complying withcurrent legal and ethical requirements when deriving cell lines from human andanimal tissues, the selection and maintenance of equipment and how to deal withproblems that may arise. |
