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RADIL Introduces Pinworm by PCR Testing
11.19.2009

In the past, in order to accurately determine the presence of pinworms in an animal has required a post-mortem direct exam.  With the introduction of RADIL's new PCR assay which tests for both Syphacia obvelata and Aspiculuris tetraptera, antemortem testing can now be performed with highly accurate results.  RADIL's Pinworm PCR assay is nearly as sensitive as the direct exam and has the advantage that the animal does not need to be euthanized for evaluation.  In studies, it was also more sensitive than either of the two antemortem tests (tape test and fecal float).

Pinworm by PCR evaluation will be available beginning December 1, 2009 as part of the Mouse Basic , Mouse Comprehensive and Rat Basic Fecal Panels, as a Helicobacter & Pinworm panel, or as a stand-alone assay.  For more information and pricing, please click here. 

( for more info click here )

MFI² - The next generation in serology testing
11.19.2009

At this year's National AALAS Meeting in Denver, Colorado, RADIL introduced a breakthrough serologic testing technology that will offer clients an increased level of results confidence for the most prevalent mouse and rat agents.  MFI² represents an advanced approach to serologic monitoring for laboratory animal pathogens, providing the highest level of diagnostic accuracy available.   By evaluating multiple antigens for each agent, primary and confirmatory testing now occur at the same time, saving time and increasing the predictive value of the final results.  Clients will begin seeing multiple antigens reported on case reports as of December 1, 2009.

For more information regarding MFI², please visit the Serology section of this site.

( for more info click here )

Mycoplasma contamination of cell lines can invalidate research investigations. In cell lines, virtually every cell process can be altered by Mycoplasma infection. Documented affects include:

• Diminished cell growth
• Altered cellular metabolism
• Phenotypic changes
• Increased cell-mediated cytotoxicity
• Altered mitogenicity of lymphocytes
• Interferon induction in tumor cell lines
• Diminished immunoglobulin production by B-cells

Detrimental effects on Embryonic Stem (ES) cells used for creation of genetically-modified mice have also been recognized. Mycoplasma contamination can:

• Reduce the number of chimeras generated
• Decrease pregnancy rates
• Reduce litter size

Mycoplasma contamination of cell lines and ES cells is a widespread problem. The prevalence of Mycoplasma contamination in cell lines and ES cells is high. Approximately 10% of all cell lines tested in our laboratory are positive for Mycoplasma sp. Mycoplasmas belong to the class Mollicutes, which includes over 100 species of Mycoplasma. The most prevalent Mycoplasma contaminants of cultured cells are Mycoplasma orale (human-origin), Mycoplasma hyorhinis (porcine-origin), Mycoplasma arginini (bovine-origin) and Acholeplasma laidlawii (bovine-origin).

Mycoplasma detection using a highly sensitive PCR assay The RADIL offers a PCR assay that is exquisitely sensitive with the capability of detecting a single genomic copy of Mycoplasma sp. The assay detects all species of Mycoplasma known to infect cell cultures. The assay also detects Acholeplasma laidlawii and Spiroplasma mirum, two other members of the Mollicutes class that also can contaminate cultured cells.

To submit cultured cells for Mycoplasma testing Send one cryovial of each sample containing ~ 2x106 – 1 x 107 cells. Cells for testing may be submitted in several formats. Cells may be pellets of cells in growth medium or phosphate buffered saline. Alternatively, cells may be vials of frozen cells with cryoprotectant. Please ship samples to our laboratory frozen via overnight courier with sufficient ice packs in the container that samples remain frozen during shipment as thawing can be detrimental to the accuracy of the testing results.