Quality Control Laboratory

The WCBF Quality Control Laboratory consists of a main lab and two controlled suites that are used for specialized cell culture and microbial assays. The main laboratory contains equipment for performing basic analytical methods that are commonly used as Quality Control assays. Equipment includes a Shimadzu 1601 UV-visible spectrophotometer, an Agilent 1100 High Pressure Liquid Chromatography system with Diode Array Detector, a Cephied Smart Cycler for PCR-based assays, and a BioTek ELX 808 Ultra Microplate Reader for performing endotoxin (LAL) and ELISA assays.

The QC Cell Culture Lab contains equipment for performing mammalian cell-based bioassays. The Cell Culture lab is maintained at a positive pressure relative to surrounding areas to maintain a clean lab for performing cell culture. In addition, the lab contains a Class II Type B3 BSC for performing aseptic manipulation of cell cultures and samples. A Thermo Forma Series II Water Jacketed CO2 Incubator with medical-grade gas supply is used for growing cells for assays. Additional equipment includes a Nikon Eclipse TS-100 inverted fluorescent microscope for identifying and counting cells, and a Sorvall Legend RT table-top centrifuge for processing samples.

The QC Microbiology Lab contains equipment for performing bioassays that require the use of bacteria. This Microbiology Lab is maintained at a negative pressure relative to the surrounding area to provide containment for bacteria that are used in the lab. The lab contains a Class II Type B3 BSC for preparing samples and aseptic processing of bacteria cultures. Incubators for performing a variety of testing (e.g. sterility) include a Puffer Hubbard model IRI-1910A BOD refrigerator and two Haraeus model B12 units. In addition, the lab contains a Nikon Eclipse E400 microscope for identifying and counting microbes.