How to Submit Samples for Cell Line Verification

Please complete the Sample Submission Form and the Biohazard Risk Assessment and send both forms to us prior to arranging shipment of samples. A Biohazard Risk Assessment form must be completed before any samples can be accepted for testing.

Once the forms have been received, reviewed and accepted by ECACC, you will be issued with a reference number that will need to be quoted on your samples and in all future correspondence. You will also need to provide a written purchase order number.. Only then can ECACC accept your samples.

If sending Growing Cultures:

1. Growing cultures should be sent in flasks topped up with medium. The flask cap should be of the non-vented variety and wrapped e.g. in Parafilm, to prevent leakage.
2. Growing cultures for DNA fingerprinting (non-human cell lines and some cancer cell lines) should be sent as a viable culture, with at least 2 x 10⁷ cells per container.
3. Growing cultures for microsatellite genotyping (human cell lines only) can be sent as a viable culture with at least 2 x 10⁶ cells per container.

If sending Frozen Cultures:

1. A handling fee will be charged to cover costs of establishing the cell lines in culture where required. (Not relevant to samples for microsatellite genotyping where the DNA can be extracted from frozen ampoules containing at least 2 x 10⁶ cells/amp).
2. Details of the cell line growth media and culture conditions must be supplied. Where specialised media or supplements are used you may be asked to supply sufficient quantities to establish the lines in culture.

If sending PBS washed cell pellets:

1. PBS washed frozen pellets submitted for DNA fingerprinting should contain 2 x 10⁷ cells.
2. PBS washed pellets submitted for microsatellite genotyping must contain at least 2 x 10⁶ cells.

Flasks and ampoules should be adequately packed and transported according to UN 602 regulations. Approved UN 602 packaging may be obtained from several suppliers, the details of which are available from any Royal Mail Sales Centre.

If you use a courier service to ship your samples, please contact the company involved for advice on their own approved packaging. ECACC will be happy to return any packaging to you for re-use.

Parcels should be addressed to:

QC Testing Department
Health Protection Agency Culture Collections (HPACC)
Health Protection Agency
Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response
Porton Down
Salisbury
SP4 0JG
UK

Testing is initiated on Tuesdays and Fridays. Notification on dispatch of samples to ECACC is advised.