Animal Serum

Domestic Serum is manufactured from animal whole animal blood aseptically drawn into a bottle or tube without anticoagulant. This material is allowed to clot. The blood is then centrifuged to remove the clot, red blood cells and buffy coat, then frozen. Product is tested for pH and total protein (via refractometer). Available as “unfiltered” (as described above), or “filtered”. The filtered product is run through a 0.2µm membrane, and undergoes a 48 hour microbial content screening process prior to shipment.

Domestic Serum Processing Options:

• Delipidation: Silica is added to the serum, which binds to the lipids, both of which are then removed via centrifugation.  Suggested in certain species such as mouse or porcine, where serum is innately turbid.
• Heat Inactivation: Serum is heated to a temperature of 56°C for 30 mins, then immediately placed in an ice bath to prevent over heating. The serum is then centrifuged to remove precipitates. The intent is to inactivate complement and/or destroy mycoplasma.
• Charcoal Stripping: Activated charcoal is added to the serum, which binds to non-polar molecules such as lipids and hormones. The charcoal is then removed via centrifugation and run through a 0.2µm filter to clarify. Suggested for research where lipids or hormones can interfere with the results of an assay.