Certain demographics are available on all human donors, including sex, age, race, limited medical history (major illnesses, recent medications, etc.) and limited social history (smoking, alcohol, drug habits, etc.). Information that may reveal the identity of the donor is not available.

First, we perfuse the tissue and isolate the cells. Percoll® centrifugation is performed to improve the cell viability. Finally, the cells are plated on collagen-coated plates.  Matrigel overlay is recommended for the best results in enzyme induction experiments.

Hepatocytes should be stored in a 37°C incubator as detailed below. For best results, we recommend that the cells be handled in sterile lab conditions in a biological safety hood, using universal biohazard precautions. Here is a list of things that you should have before you receive fresh human hepatocytes.

• Personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, protective eyewear)

• Biological safety cabinet

• Aspirating device (i.e. pipettor, vacuum aspirator)

• Incubator (95% humidity, 5% CO2, 37°C)

• Refrigerator or equivalent storage chamber (2-8°C)

• Prototypical inducers and DMSO

• Hepatocyte Culture Media (XenoTech Product Number K2300 is recommended)

The table below summarizes our recommended conditions to measure CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 in microsomes prepared from cultured human hepatocytes. Other prototypical inducers are referenced in "Effects of prototypical microsomal enzyme inducers on cytochrome P450 expression in cultured human hepatocytes" Madan et al, Drug Metab Dispos, 31: 421-431, 2003.

The hepatocytes are shipped via express courier in an insulated box to maintain moderate temperatures.  We are able to use a variety of shipping companies.  FedEx is our default shipping agent, and the most economical.  Same-day couriers are available at your request--please indicate on your order if you prefer this option.

Since collagen-coated plates are prepared in advance of tissue receipt, pre-orders allow our on-call team to know how many plates and which multi-well format to prepare so they are ready when a liver is received.  We will confirm all orders and ask you to authorize the order fulfillment before we ship the order; you will not be billed for any plates unless you agree to receive the cells.  

No.  Pre-ordering helps us plan our plate preparation.   You only pay for the cells you agree to receive. 

We won't ship to you unless you authorize it (or appoint another person in your department to be the contact while you are out).  If we can't reach anyone, or if the shipment is refused, the plates will be queued for placement to other customers on our registered notification list. We will keep your pre-order on file for the next order unless you tell us to cancel it.

Pre-orders communicate plate format and quantity for each customer up-front, which provides us the necessary information on how to manage the liver for product orders when it arrives.  Add-on orders will be filled based on product availability after pre-orders are satisfied.