EFFECTS OF RESIN OR CHARCOAL TREATMENT ON FETAL BOVINE SERUM AND BOVINE CALF SERUM

Introduction. Charcoal- or resin-stripping of fetal bovine serum (FBS) or bovine calf serum (BCS) intended for supplementation of cell culture media is widely practiced to remove a variety of endogenous compounds, including steroid, peptide, and thyroid hormones. The possibility that stripping removes other biologically relevant factors from serum may not be appreciated. Methods. In this report, standardized clinical laboratory testing methods were used to assess the effects of resin-and charcoal-stripping on content in FBS and BCS of more than 25 analytes in the sera. Results and Conclusion. In addition to hormones, the serum constituents affected by stripping are certain vitamins, electrolytes, enzyme activities, and metabolites.