Manager:
Carmel Burns
Phone: (216) 444-5814
Beeper: 23350
Mailcode: NB10
Fax: (216) 445-0515
Email: burnsc@ccf.org

Scientific Advisor:
Martha Cathcart, Ph.D.

Advisory Committee:
Xiaoxia Li, Ph.D.
Suneel Apte, Ph.D.
Jane Hoover-Plow, Ph.D.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cell Culture

  1. What is the cryopreservation capacity in the cell Culture lab?

    2. Currently we can store 10,000 vials.

  2. How should I prepare my samples for mycoplasma testing?

    3. This information can be found on the mycoplasma order form.

  3. Should I trypsinize the cells for mycoplasma testing?

    4. No. Scrape cells and supply ~5mL in a tube.

  4. I'm new to cell culture, where do I find information on tissue culture techniques?

    5. The Cell Core has several protocols on cell culture:

    Aseptic techniques.
    Recovery of cells from liquid nitrogen.
    Culturing cells- monolayer and suspension.
    Performing a viable count.
    Storage of cells in liquid nitrogen.
    Quality Control.
    Specialized techniques.

  5. Is there a facility for large-scale cell culture?

    6. The Cell Culture Core has the capacity to grow large volumes of cells, both monolayer and suspension.

  6. In addition to the cell services listed, will the core provide "special cell cultures" that are not on the list?

    7. Yes, The core will accommodate any special orders. The researcher would need to discuss this in advance with Cell Services staff.

  7. How does the cost for cell services compare with other institutes and outside companies?

    8. Our charges are competitively priced. We charge less than other institutes for certain services and we are much cheaper than outside companies offering the same service.

  8. Why should I purchase cells from the Cell Core if I can get them free from my colleagues?

    9. Cells obtained from outside sources may not always be as healthy as you think. All cells from the Cell Services Core are stored at early passages and regularly tested for mycoplasma and submitted to isoenzyme analysis for detecting cross contamination.

Media Prep

  1. How do I place an order?

    2. Order forms and product lists can be picked up in NB1-15 or outside the glassware alcoves on each floor of the LRI and NE buildings. Once completed, order forms can be dropped off at NB1-15 or faxed to (216) 445-0515

  2. When and where do I pick up my order?

    3. Orders received before 4pm are to be picked up the next day between 12-4pm in NB1-15. Remember to bring a box for your order.

  3. What do we do with our media and solution bottles once they are empty?

    4. Please be sure to thoroughly rinse out media bottles, then submerge them in the plastic tubs provided to each lab by the glasswash facility.

  4. Are you making custom media or buffers?

    5. Please bring your custom requests to us for discussion. We would like to hear any suggestions for additional items that could be added to our list.