FBS Testing

Learn more about compliance and regulations for fetal bovine serum. All products are tested and reported for: Additional tests available for Equalfetal, Fetal Bovine Serum-USDA Safety Tested, Fetal Plus, and Fetal Bovine Serum-US origin:

Assurance that bacteria and fungi have been removed during manufacturing process. Serum filtered through 0.1um pore sized integrity tested filters, will remove bacteria and fungi and provide a product suitable for cell culture applications.

Composition of serum. A high level of GGT is an identifying marker of NBCS. FBS shall not exceed 10 IU/mL. An independent profile can be determined by an inexpensive, large animal chemistry panel from a veterinary diagnostic facility to ensure validity of COA. Method for authenticating FBS can be found here.

Characteristic of bovine animal age. FBS has a very low gamma globulin fraction compared to other serum types.

Gram negative bacterial contamination. Low endotoxin concentration indicates care in collection and processing of bovine blood, serum, and manufacturing. Endotoxin is not removed by filtration and can affect cell growth characteristics.

Lower Hgb indicates care during collection and serum processing. Higher Hgb may indicate extended time before separation of blood to serum or cell lysis due to freezing prior to processing. Higher Hgb indicates red and white blood cell lysis and may result in virus release. Three hemoglobin types oxy, met and carboxy.

Type of antibody. Generally, IgG greater than 300ug/mL is associated with serum other than FBS. Purity of FBS can be determine if GGT is less than 10 IU/L

A cause of cell culture contamination that present problems in cell cultures and is difficult to diagnose. Capable of passing through 0.2um pore size filters. Read more details

Reflects electrolyte and solute concentration. Ensures material is not diluted with water. Read more details

Relative functionality of a lot to a control serum. Standard performance test, results may vary depending on methodology and other variables. Cell survival in serum to a control. Useful to assess long-term culture of cells to determine any toxic effect present in serum.