This method is advantageous for saving the occasional cultures that become contaminated. Yeast contaminated cultures will appear cloudy when slightly shaken and lymphocytes will not cluster together as much as normal. If cultures are suspect, a drop of culture can be streaked on a YPD media plate to check for growth of yeast colonies, or a 5 ml sample can be taken to Barnes Diagnostic Center for identification of yeast strain. - [Read Removal of Yeast Contamination from Lymphoblast Cultures Protocol]
This protocol describes a method for testing of new serum lots prior to use in cell culture. Serum lots vary considerably in their ability to support cell growth, and some lots even contain toxic or growth-inhibitory compounds. It is advantageous to test serum lots and purchase in large volume, both for cost benefit. - [Read Serum Testing for Mammalian Cell Culture Protocol]