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Is it possible to quantify the mycoplasma with the MycoAlert® Mycoplasma Detection Assay?

No, the MycoAlert® Mycoplasma Detection Assay (as well as the MycoAlert® PLUS Mycoplasma Detection Assay) is not quantitative; it has been designed to give a simple Yes or No answer, pertaining to the presence of Mycoplasma.

What are mycoplasmas?

Mycoplasmas belong to the family Mollicutes, which includes Acholeplasma, Ureaplasma and other species.However the term "Mycoplasma" is most often used as a "cover-all".More than 180 species have been identified of which 20 distinct Mycoplasma...

Do the MycoAlert® and MycoAlert® PLUS Mycoplasma Detection Kits detect dead mycoplasma?

No. Lonza's MycoAlert® and MycoAlert® PLUS Kits only detect live mycoplasma which gives an accurate assesment of contamination. PCR based detection methods dectect both living and dead mycoplasma, which can lead to false positives. 

Can mycoplasma grow outside of a cell?

This is an area that is up for debate. There is evidence that mycoplasma can survive in the absence of cells, and some may proliferate, but as a rule they are much happier if cells are present.

Can mycoplasma grow in the absence of cells?

There is evidence to suggest that mycoplasma can survive in the absence of cells, some may even proliferate, but as a rule they are much more viable if cells are present. 

How can cells be cured of mycoplasma contamination?

Where contamination has occurred, and the sample absolutely cannot be discarded, the MycoZap™ Mycoplasma Elimination Reagent has been optimized to eliminate mycoplasma with minimal toxic effects on the cells. The MycoZap™ Reagent eliminates...

How can cells be cured of mycoplasma contamination?

Where contamination has occurred, and the sample absolutely cannot be discarded, the MycoZap™ Mycoplasma Elimination Reagent has been optimized to eliminate mycoplasma with minimal toxic effects on the cells.The MycoZap™ Reagent eliminates...

Does the MycoAlert® Assay recognize the whole spectrum of mycoplasma?

The mycoplasma specific metabolism detected by the MycoAlert® Assay is present in all members of the mollicute family (Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, Entomoplasma and Spiroplasma) except Ureaplasma (which are no usual suspects in cell culture). 95...

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.

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.

How can I detect mycoplasma contamination of my cells?

We recommend using the 20-minute MycoAlert® Mycoplasma Detection Kit from Lonza. The simple four-step MycoAlert® Assay is a selective biochemical test that exploits the activity of mycoplasmal enzymes. The presence of these enzymes provides a rapid...
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