Laboratory Grade stem cell lines are cell lines that have been derived solely for research. Though cultured and banked by the UKSCB under stringent quality controlled conditions, they are not suitable, and may not be used, as starting materials for the development of cellular therapies. All Laboratory Grade cell lines are subject to the Bank’s Curation and Banking procedure.
The process of banking a stem cell line is a lengthy process. Acquiring information on growth conditions, initial screening and production of a master cell bank and distribution stocks can take many weeks. Once completed, cells undergo further stringent quality control and safety testing. Thus the time from acceptance of a particular cell line by the UK Steering Committee to its eventual release for research can take a number of months. Where a cell line is not currently available the Bank’s technical support staff can provide you help on choosing a suitable alternative.
Information on depositing or obtaining stem cells from the UK Stem Cell Bank, together with details of the Bank’s current policies can be obtained by clicking on the relevant section in the sidebar.