Freezing cells for later analysis
Dr M Salmon (salmonm@rheuma.bham.ac.uk)
Thu, 8 Jul 93 15:31:04 BST
In response to Isabelle Menard's request, the method we use for freezing cells
is as follows: suspend cells in a mixture of 20% DMSO in neat foetal calf serum
freeze the cells in the vapour phase of the liquid nitrogen tank (suspended a
few centimeters above the liquid) for at least 2 hours. After this the aliquots
should be submerged in the liquid nitrogen. Samples can be thawed easily by
dropping them into a plastic beaker containing water at room temperature. The
beaker MUST be plastic, and you MUST eark a face mask or goggles; once in a while the samples can explode on thawing. This is extremely rare, but you must be
cautious. We have used this technique for many years both for peripheral blood
cells, and a large variety of cell lines, including T cell clones, lymphoblastoid
lines, fibroblasts, etc. Recovery is extremely efficient. If you have any
problem contact me direct.
Have fun
Mike Salmon
Email to salmonm@rheuma.bham.ac.uk Voice: 021-414-6781