Impact of Misidentified Cell Lines in Dutch Institutions (IFCELL-NL)

The COGEM commissioned a study on the current situation in the Netherlands regarding the identification of cell lines in scientific research. Research in the life sciences makes extensive use of cultured cell lines of human or animal origin. In some cases, however, the identity of the cell lines can deviate from the assumed identity. The consequences of misidentification of cell lines can be considerable when research results turn out to be unreliable or incorrect due to the use of inappropriate cell lines. The use of an incorrect cell line may also give rise to biosafety risks.

The research report shows that laboratories in the Netherlands also face the risk of working with an incorrect cell line. Although researchers in Dutch research institutions working with GMOs are largely aware of the importance of correct cell line identity, checks are not always carried out and people often place unjustified trust in the quality of a supplied cell line.