Recently a customer shared with me concerns about the serum they purchase. The product performs well but for some reason the supplier is not willing to share information about its identity. They know the country of origin, they know the source is bovine. They receive a certificate of analysis.
This serum is used for the manufacturing of a registered product. So the authorities require more information about the processing and content of the raw material in use. Unfortunately the customer won't get it from their supplier. And this is the problem.
With increasing shortage of Fetal Bovine Serum the number of FBS substitutes is constantly growing. They all have different features and benefits and a comparison is very difficult.
The certificates of analysis for these substitutes vary in form and content. Same is the situation with the certificates of analysis for pure Fetal Bovine Serum. Despite several attempts to create reporting standards for a Certificate of Analysis the variety of forms is great and end users have difficulties to compare.
A safe approach is to apply the recommendations of the USP and EP. Both pharmacopoeias list parameters and values as they should be found in good quality NATURAL product. Failure to report any of these parameters or deviations from the recommended ranges should prompt buyers to take a second look before they make their purchasing decision.
There are additional test results that can reveal the content of a product and even its geographic origin:
· For example, the presence and level of certain antibodies may be an indication about the region of origin or the age of the donor animal.
· The IgG level has values typical for the different stages of age of a bovine animal. It varies strongly between FBS, NBCS, Calf and Adult Bovine Serum.
· Other parameters of the biochemistry can also tell us what's inside that bottle.
Getting familiar with some of the scientific studies in the area is a safe way towards making a good purchasing decision.
In case of doubt consult an expert.
Keep in mind.
