mycoplasmacontroles

Mycoplasma controls, also written as mycoplasmacontroles in some contexts, are reference materials and procedural checks used to validate and monitor the detection of mycoplasma contamination in laboratory workflows. They are employed in cell culture, microbiology, and molecular assays to ensure that tests can reliably detect mycoplasma and that negative samples are truly free of contamination.

Controls typically comprise positive materials that contain Mycoplasma DNA or a known live or inactivated organism, negative materials that are confirmed mycoplasma-free, and internal controls that monitor assay performance and potential inhibition. Positive controls might be synthetic DNA sequences, plasmids, or inactivated mycoplasma preparations; negative controls are usually sterile media or buffer. Internal controls help distinguish true negatives from assay failure.

Common detection methods that use controls include PCR and qPCR assays, culture-based assays on specialized media such as SP-4 or PPLO, and enzymatic or fluorescence-based tests. Commercial control kits often provide a defined concentration of mycoplasma DNA or inactivated organisms to calibrate assays and quantify detection limits.

Best practices emphasize proper storage and handling of controls, separate areas for preparing controls to avoid cross-contamination, and thorough documentation of results. Controls should be validated when new lots of reagents are introduced, and laboratories should maintain an evidence trail for accreditation and quality systems.

Regulatory and professional guidance for mycoplasma testing and controls exists in settings such as cell culture repositories, diagnostic laboratories, and biotech manufacturing, with standards and guidelines focusing on assay performance, contamination prevention, and traceability.