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Omics Research // Genomics

Cell Line Authentication

Fast, precise, and budget-friendly authentication for cancer cells, stem cells, xenografts, and more using advanced STR profiling.

Let's Talk

What Is Cell Line Authentication?

Cell line authentication (CLA) uses short tandem repeat (STR) profiling as a "fingerprint" to confirm the identity of cell lines — the gold standard in cell identification. By verifying your cell lines, CLA helps free you from risks of cross-contamination or misidentification, ensuring your experiments are built on a solid foundation.

CLA - how it works (1)

 

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Why Is Cell Line Authentication Important?

Cell contamination can occur at any time, in any lab. Misidentified or contaminated samples can cause a huge waste of time, effort, and money.  With our CLA service, experiments are protected, and research remains reproducible.

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When Is Cell Line Authentication Required?

Some grant organizations and research publications require cell line validation for studies they accept, making it more critical than ever to have access to this service. 

  • The International Cell Line Authentication Committee (ICLAC) currently lists over 590 misidentified cell lines. Studies show that 18-36% of some popular cell lines are misidentified or cross-contaminated.

  • 4% of submitted manuscripts are rejected due to severe cell line-related issues. 

  • The NIH mandates authentication of key biological resources, including cell lines.

  • The FDA requires validation of all materials, such as cells, used in Investigational New Drug (IND) applications to ensure compliance and quality.

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Don't Let Your Research Get Left Behind

CLA is becoming an industry standard for  publication. Stay up-to-date on the latest requirements with  our service. 

Find Journals That Require CLA

We're Ready for Your Order

Submit, verify, and move forward with confidence — cell line authentication in just four steps!

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Order Online

Share your cell line details with us at order.psomagen.com (cell line/identifier and passage number may be required).

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Submit Samples to Psomagen

We accept cell, tissue, and gDNA samples for CLA. See our sample preparation guide below for packaging instructions.  

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STR Profiling

Our labs use ABI 3730xl & GeneMapper software® and ThermoFisher's CLA GlobalFilerTM kit (24 loci). 

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Report

We’ll send your report via email. You can access it anytime in your client portal for future comparison.

Let's get started!

How to Ship Your Samples

Sample Type
Quality Recommended
Shipping Condition
Dropbox Usage
Genomic DNA
Concentration: ≥20 ng/µL
Volume: ≥20 µL
Ship on dry ice
Yes
Fresh cell
1x106 cells
Frozen cell
Dried cell pellets
Fresh tissue
35 mg

If your desired sample type is not in the list above, please contact us directly

We strongly recommend shipping all samples on dry ice, especially cells and tissues. If alternative methods (such as ice packs or ambient temperature) are used, ensuring the sample stays frozen upon arrival is the client’s responsibility. Any deterioration of the samples as a result of poor shipping conditions will also be the client’s responsibility.

Samples should be submitted in secure-top tubes or Eppendorf tube sealed with parafilm. Do NOT fill the tube up to the top with buffer/media (filled halfway or lower is preferred). No petri dishes or flasks accepted. 

Readable labeling of the samples required. Label MUST match the sample name on the submission order form.

If submitting gDNA, a high sample quality is required. gDNA extraction from cell or tissue samples can be added to any service tier at an additional cost.  

When to Authenticate Cell Lines

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Before submitting your manuscript to scientific journals

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When submitting a grant application in alignment with NIH requirements

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When acquiring any new cell line

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When creating new cell lines

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Every 10 passages of cell culture

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As part of quality control to maintain cell integrity

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As a control measure when beginning a new study

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When observing inconsistent, unexpected or irreproducible results

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Before freezing stocks or creating working cell banks

Our Workflow

CLA work flow

STR multiplex PCR: We use ThermoFisher's CLA GlobalFilerTM kit (24 STR loci including 3 sex-determining markers) for precise results.
Data interpretation: We calculate the matching % using public databases (e.g. Cellosaurus, ATCC) or previously submitted cell lines. 

Scale to Your Needs

All three CLA service options at Psomagen are designed to verify the identity of human cell lines using ThermoFisher’s CLA GlobalFiler™ kit, which covers all 13 STR loci recommended for cell line authentication, along with an additional 11 loci.

We follow the ANSI/ATCC ASN-0002 2022 guidelines, with all processes carried out in ISO-certified facilities. Since our facilities are CLIA-certified, our CLA service meets the same rigorous quality standards—our service ensures reliable results every step of the way.

Get Pricing Details

Option 1:

Single STR Profile

Our most affordable option, single STR profiling is a great choice if you’re looking for routine quality control and a budget-friendly workflow.

Recommended for: 

  • Researchers or institutions conducting internal QC testing
  • Clients who prefer to compare STR profiles themselves

Option 2:

Comparative with Database

With this option, you’ll get comparative analysis with an STR database — perfect if you need expert insights into your STR results!

Recommended for:

  • Research institutions and companies needing comparative analysis with an STR database
  • Clients requiring a signed report
  • Clients requiring expert commentary and interpretation

Option 3:

Comparative with Two Samples

Get everything included in Option 2, plus a direct comparison of your two submitted samples. This is a good choice for tracking cell line changes or checking for contamination.

Recommended for:

  • Researchers comparing previous (lower passage) vs. current cell passages (higher passage)
  • Researchers tracking cell line contamination & changes

What's Included

 
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Option 1:
Single STR Profile
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Option 2:
Comparative with Database
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Option 3:
Comparative with Two Samples
Allele table (STR profile)
Peak plot (Electropherogram)
included by request
Results saved for future comparison
eSigned report
 
Matching % (comparison with public database or previously submitted sample)
 
Comprehensive interpretation of results (expert's comments)
 
Comparative analysis report between two submitted samples
   

 

More Targets for More Confidence

Our CLA service includes 24 loci, including the 13 loci recommended by ANSI/ATCC ASN-0002-2022 guidelines. This expanded test offers superior discrimination for cell line authentication, lowering the Probability of Identity (POI) and making it significantly less likely for different cell lines to share the same STR profile. 

In addition to Amelogenin, our test includes 3 sex-determining markers. This ensures greater reliability by mitigating the risk of microdeletions or mutations.

With an encompassing range of loci, our service enables seamless comparisons with public STR databases like Cellosaurus and ATCC.

Improved Resolution

We uses a 6-dye system to significantly enhance the resolution of STR profiling and provide clearer differentiation. This leads to more accurate and reliable identification, even with challenging or degraded DNA samples, making it an ideal solution for precise cell line verification.

Reliable Database Set up

Our CLA service is ideal for creating your own cell line databases. 24 loci testing and the 6-dye system generate highly accurate and detailed cell line profiles. Construct your own databases that support quality control, research, and biopharmaceutical applications, ensuring the integrity and reliability of cell line collections.

 
13 + 1  STR Loci
13 recommended by ANSI/ATCC ASN-0002-2022 guideline
15 + 1 STR Loci
Other CLA Providers

21 + 3 STR Loci

3-Feb-05-2025-03-51-28-6734-PM

D8S1179
D21S11
D7S820
CSF1PO
D3S1358
TH01
D13S317
D16S539
vWA
TPOX
D18S51
D5S818
FGA
Amelogenin
D2S1338
 
D19S433
 
SE33
   
DYS391
   
Yindel
   
D10S1248
   
D1S1656
   
D22S1045
   
D2S441
   
D12S391
   

 

Why Choose Psomagen?

Cell Line Authentication with a Trusted Provider
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Industry-Leading STR Profiling

With an extended STR 24 loci (ThermoFisher’s CLA GlobalFilerTM), our STR service significantly reduces the Probability of Identity (POI), ensuring exceptional accuracy, minimizing errors, and enhancing research reliability.

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Flexible Service Options

We offer flexible options that scale your research or business. Choose from our report options to perfectly match your needs and budget.

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Fast Turnaround Time

Your time is precious! For major orders, get results in just 1-2 business days so you can keep your research on track.

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Cost-Effective Quality

Save up to 40% compared to market rates — high-quality service at a budget-friendly price!

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Accredited Facilities

Our CLA service exceeds international standards (ANSI/ATCC ASN-0002-2022). With decades of genomics experience, we operate in CLIA-compliant facilities and are ISO 9001 certified, giving you confidence in every result.

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Expert Technical Support

Our technical team supports you from sample submission to final results.

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Easy Sample Submission

Cell, tissue, or gDNA samples are all welcome. Simply drop off your samples at our dropbox.