Selected Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Is it possible to get donor information for human-derived products?

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.

How do you prepare your plated hepatocytes?

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.

How should plated hepatocytes be handled?

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)