Q:

I tested my cell culture supernatant negative for mycoplasma contamination using the MycoAlert® Mycoplasma Detection Kit or the MycoAlert® PLUS Mycoplasma Detection Kit. But when I tested the same cells using a PCR-based Assay, I obtained a positive result.

A:

It is possible that the PCR is picking up dead mycoplasma whereas the MycoAlert® and MycoAlert® Plus Assay will pick up only viable mycoplasma. It is possible of course that there is contamination in the PCR giving a false positive.

Categories:
Bioassay

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