1.1 There is an ongoing need to maintain, preserve, and standardize microbiological cultures for research. This guide is focused on three parts of microbe preservation:
1.1.1 Process Description\u2014Thi
s includes detailed microbe characterization data and documentation of microbial passaging, measurable specifications (including titers and solution concentrations), and storage conditions (for example, wet or dry storage and temperatures). Characterization data maintained from the origin of microbial isolation through preservation and disposal is a best practice. Although maintaining the purity of a microbiological culture is ideal in most circumstances, many original environmental isolates or clinical samples may be mixtures. Also, certain organisms, including mutualistic biofilm organisms and lichens or obligate pathogenic organisms (for example, viruses), may be best preserved in conjunction with symbiotic organisms or host cells.
1.1.2 Microbe Preservation Tools\u2014Descripti
ons, monitoring, and maintenance of equipment used in preservation may be documented in laboratory plans or standard operating procedures (SOPs), or preferably both as a best practice. Also, detailed documentation of any personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and the various mechanisms for administrative control (for example, controlled access to organisms) and engineering control (maintenance of sterile culture and verifications of identities of preserved microbes) may be maintained.
1.2 In this guide, methods for characterization, storage, maintenance, and stabilization of a broad taxonomy of microorganisms are reviewed, including vegetative bacteria, bacterial spores, mycobacteria, fungi, and viruses.
1.3 This guide is intended to assist in the development of standardized methods for preservation of microorganisms by indicating actions to be considered at each stage of accession and preservation.
1.4 This guide does not purport to detail the specific workflow necessary to developing a standardized method for preservation of a specific microorganism. Literature review and empirical evidence may be considered in the process of developing a final method specific to the microorganism of interest.
1.5 Units\u2014The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 There is an ongoing need to maintain, preserve, and standardize microbiological cultures for research. This guide is focused on three parts of microbe preservation:
1.1.1 Process Description\u2014This includes detailed microbe characterization data and documentation of microbial passaging, measurable specifications (including titers and solution concentrations), and storage conditions (for example, wet or dry storage and temperatures). Characterization data maintained from the origin of microbial isolation through preservation and disposal is a best practice. Although maintaining the purity of a microbiological culture is ideal in most circumstances, many original environmental isolates or clinical samples may be mixtures. Also, certain organisms, including mutualistic biofilm organisms and lichens or obligate pathogenic organisms (for example, viruses), may be best preserved in conjunction with symbiotic organisms or host cells.
1.1.2 Microbe Preservation Tools\u2014Descriptions, monitoring, and maintenance of equipment used in preservation may be documented in laboratory plans or standard operating procedures (SOPs), or preferably both as a best practice. Also, detailed documentation of any personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and the various mechanisms for administrative control (for example, controlled access to organisms) and engineering control (maintenance of sterile culture and verifications of identities of preserved microbes) may be maintained.
1.2 In this guide, methods for characterization, storage, maintenance, and stabilization of a broad taxonomy of microorganisms are reviewed, including vegetative bacteria, bacterial spores, mycobacteria, fungi, and viruses.
1.3 This guide is intended to assist in the development of standardized methods for preservation of microorganisms by indicating actions to be considered at each stage of accession and preservation.
1.4 This guide does not purport to detail the specific workflow necessary to developing a standardized method for preservation of a specific microorganism. Literature review and empirical evidence may be considered in the process of developing a final method specific to the microorganism of interest.
1.5 Units\u2014The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
