Frequently Asked Questions
What are your quality control practices?
Primary cultures have a finite lifespan and a limited number of population doublings in vitro. Cook MyoSite cryopreserved cells and associated reagents are tested prior to shipment for contaminating agents. Contamination of cell cultures may affect cell growth, function, and behavior. For detailed information concerning Quality Control testing and specifications, contact us.
How should I handle cryopreserved cells upon receiving them?
Cells arrive frozen on dry ice. If no dry ice is present in the shipping container, contact customer support. To ensure the highest level of cell viability, thaw and initiate culture immediately upon receipt. It is recommended that the frozen cryovial be placed in a -80°C freezer (short term, <1 day) or liquid nitrogen vapor phase (long term) if not using immediately or for continued storage. Cryovials submersed in liquid phase may fill with liquid nitrogen and, upon thawing, explode. When handling frozen cells, it is recommended that protective gloves, clothing, and eyewear be worn.
What are culture conditions for skMDC?
Each lot is obtained during a controlled process, with quality processing materials, which enables the consistent isolation of specific progenitor cell populations. Each lot is free from adventitious agents and is quality tested to ensure product consistency and performance.
What markers are used to characterize skMDC products?
Cells are categorized by age, gender, and race. Social and medical history data may also be available, such as BMI, diabetes, and insulin dependence. Cook MyoSite skMDC are the most characterized human primary cells available. The Cook MyoSite Gene Array Analysis, an industry first, is a RT-PCR-based analysis. This provides researchers with baseline mRNA expression data for each lot of Cook MyoSite skMDC to clearly define your primary starting culture.
How many population doublings can I expect from each skMDC vial?
Primary cultures have a finite lifespan and a limited number of population doublings in vitro. Expect 8–12 population doublings from Standard Donor skMDC products in combination with MyoTonic™ media products.
What is the difference between populations doublings and passage number?
Passage number refers to the number of times that the cells in culture have been subcultured or split. Population doubling refers to the number of times the cell population has doubled since being initially isolated.
What is the normal/recommended split ratio for skMDC?
It is recommended that skMDC populations are split in a 1:3 ratio.
Are skMDC able to be grown in combinations with antibiotics?
Researchers have the ability to add antibiotic combinations at their own discretion. As a reminder, the use of aseptic technique is required for all culturing activities. This includes the use of sterile materials and appropriate environmental conditions to ensure sterility when manipulating cultures.
Am I able to use other reagents/culture medium produced by Cook MyoSite with skMDC products?
The following reagents are required for optimal culturing of Cook MyoSite skMDC. These reagents are not included and must be purchased separately. Use of substitute media or reagents may result in poor culture growth and/or performance.
- MyoTonic™ Family of Growth Culture Medium products
- MyoTonic™ Differentiation Medium
- Phosphate buffered saline (Mg2+/Ca2+-free) or equivalent balanced salt solution—not supplied
- Passaging enzyme (e.g., trypsin/EDTA)—not supplied
- CryoTonic™ Cryostorage Medium
When subculturing primary cells, what are the most important considerations to keep in mind?
Cultures should be passaged into flasks at a ratio of 1:3 (i.e., one T-75 flask should be passaged into three T-75 flasks or an equivalent total flask area of 225 cm²). Note: It is not recommended that cultures be passaged if confluence is <10%. Passaging prior to this confluence may result in decreased population growth. Refer to the Instructions for Use for more information about subculturing.
Are there any special substrates or coating materials that I need to use for culturing skMDC?
The use of aseptic technique is required for all culturing activities. This includes the use of sterile materials and appropriate environmental conditions to ensure sterility when manipulating cultures. Use of reagent aliquotting, rather than repeated use of large volumes (e.g., entire bottle), along with the use of disposable materials/items, is highly recommended. The use of vented culture flasks rather than loosened caps is highly recommended.
Where can I find documents associated with consent or authorization relating to skMDC products?
Please contact us and specify the lot(s) in question.
What forms of payment do you accept?
You may pay by check, credit card, or wire transfer.
How is skMDC shipped?
skMDC is typically shipped on dry ice overnight via UPS or Fedex. Please note: Arrival times are estimated and cannot be guaranteed. Order processing lead-times for in-stock materials are as follows:
- Domestic: Allow 5-7 business days.
- International: Allow 7-14 business days.
To what regions do you ship skMDC products?
Cook MyoSite, Inc. utilizes multiple shipping resources, allowing us to provide our products globally to regions including, but not limited to, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, South Korea, and Austalia. To inquire about shipping to other regions, contact us.
Does Cook MyoSite handle customs documentation for international shipments?
Cook MyoSite, Inc. offers tailored services to suit each customer’s shipping needs. Contact us for additional information regarding your location.
How are duties, taxes, shipping, and other charges handled?
The buyer is responsible for applicable duties, taxes, and shipping charges. These amounts are added to your invoice.
How are credits, refunds, and replacements handled?
Credits and refunds are provided by check or applied to your account for future use. Replacement requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further information.