Fetal bovine serum

This is due to it having a very low level of antibodies and containing more growth factors, allowing for versatility in many cell culture applications.

[1] As a result of this and in an attempt to minimize the possibility of transfer of adventitious agents, serum-free and chemically defined media (CDM) have been developed.

FBS, as with the vast majority of animal serum used in cell culture, is produced from blood collected at commercial slaughterhouses from cattle that also supply meat intended for human consumption.

The fetus dies from the lack of oxygen by remaining in the protective environment of the uterus for a minimum of 15–20 minutes after the cow is dead.

It is then centrifuged to remove the fibrin clot and the remaining blood cells from the clear yellow (straw) colored serum.

The aseptically processed FBS is subjected to stringent quality control testing and is supplied with a detailed Certificate of Analysis.

Certificates of Analysis vary between commercial suppliers, but each usually includes the following details: filtration statement, country of blood collection, country of manufacture, cell growth performance testing, microbial sterility testing, as well as screening for mycoplasma and virus, endotoxin, hemoglobin, IgG gamma glutamyl transferase[6] and total protein assays.

Veterinary control of animal derived products largely follows the regulations set by the EU (DG SANCO) and the US (USDA).

[citation needed] A 2012 source estimates that about 600,000 liters are made annually, one third of which is suitable for pharmaceutical use under Good Manufacturing Practice.