Most frozen primary cell products have the pre-cryopreservation viability and the accepted viability upon thawing reported on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA). Provided that proper thawing technique is used and viability is assessed immediately upon thaw, the product should meet this specification. PBMCs have an acceptance criterion of ≥ 90% viable cells.

If you have questions regarding our specifications and/or concerns about the viability of the product you received, please contact your sales representative or Product and Scientific Support (techsupport@stemcell.com).

For a step-by-step protocol for thawing frozen primary cells, watch our protocol video.

Our standard shipping conditions for frozen PBMCs consists of styrofoam-insulated shipping boxes with sufficient dry ice to maintain product quality for the duration of the shipment. We can also provide temperature data loggers or use LN2 shippers for an added fee upon request. Contact your sales representative or cellorders@stemcell.com for further details.

Proper thawing and handling of these cryopreserved cells is critical for optimal viability and recovery. As thawing protocols may vary by cell type, always refer to the recommended protocol received with your cells. You can also view this protocol video on thawing frozen human primary cells.

Our frozen PBMCs are cryopreserved in 2 mL polypropylene barcoded cryovials, (Corning Catalog #8670, internal-threaded). If there are supply issues, we may use Corning Catalog #8671 (external-threaded).

Some older inventory may be cryopreserved in 2 mL non-barcoded cryovials (Corning Catalog #430488).

Vials are barcoded on the bottom for customization and traceability. They are compatible with various e-lab software and biostore units, including Benchling, Labguru, and SciNote.

STEMCELL’s primary cells are validated using our Quality Management System, which assesses cell count, viability, and purity. STEMCELL's Quality Management System is certified to ISO 13485:2016 Medical Devices and ISO 9001:2015.

Learn more: Partner with the Right Human Primary Cell Supplier

STEMCELL's fresh and frozen PBMCs are not considered serum-free by STEMCELL's definition. Cryopreserved PBMCs are shipped in CryoStor® CS10 cryopreservation medium (Catalog #100-1061), which is serum-free, but the preparation of this sample may leave trace amounts of serum. Fresh PBMCs are supplied in Iscove’s Modified Dulbecco’s Medium (Catalog #36150) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS).

If you require further information, please contact your sales representatives or complete this form to contact the Primary Cells team directly.