Testing Cell Therapy and Bioproduction Samples Using the BIOFIRE® Mycoplasma Molecular Lab in a Pouch System

Various pharmacopoeias, including the USP, specify a test for mycoplasma contamination must be performed as part of the release testing of a product manufactured in the presence of eukaryotic cells ⁽¹⁾. Current compendial methods require ≥28 days to generate mycoplasma testing results creating delays releasing product. Alternative conventional nucleic acid testing (NAT) methods are available,
but these methods often require specialized laboratories, elevated skill levels and significant training to interpret results. The BIOFIRE_^®Mycoplasma solution utilizes the FILMARRAY^® 2.0 instrument and next generation PCR testing where all reagent components are contained in a closed pouch to detect the presence of >130 species of mycoplasma. The system provides sample to answer in ~1 hour with little technical training needed providing options for bringing mycoplasma testing directly to the production floor where critical testing is needed.