BenchStable™ RPMI 1640, 500 mL - FAQs

View additional product information for BenchStable™ RPMI 1640 - FAQs (A4192301, A4192302)

14 product FAQs found

Is it okay if I supplement BenchStable media with more than 10% FBS?

We recommended supplementing BenchStable media with at least 10% FBS for best results. If your culture method calls for greater than 10% FBS supplementation using our other existing media, we recommend that you use the same concentration with BenchStable media.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

Is it okay if I supplement BenchStable media with 5% FBS?

We recommend supplementing BenchStable media with at least 10% FBS for best results. We have run tests on limited cell types using 5% FBS concentration and have not observed compromised performance. Please contact Tech Support at techsupport@thermofisher.com to ensure that your specific application allows for 5% serum supplementation.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

Which cell lines have been tested in BenchStable media?

We have tested our BenchStable media for growth and morphology on the following cell lines: A549, CHO-K1, HEK293, HeLa, HL-60, Jurkat, MCF7, MDA-MB-231, Neuro2A, SH-SY5Y, and THP-1.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

Do you offer BenchStable media without phenol red?

At this time, we do not offer BenchStable media without phenol red.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

Will the shelf-life of BenchStable media improve if stored at lower temperature (2-8 degrees C)?

The shelf life of BenchStable media is unchanged when stored cold (2-4 degrees C) or ambient (15-30 degrees C).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

How should I store BenchStable media? Can they be stored at 4 degrees C?

We recommend storing BenchStable media under ambient conditions (15-30 degrees C), protected from light. BenchStable media can alternatively be stored at 2-8 degrees C.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

Can I store the box containing BenchStable medium in the refrigerator?

Yes, the box provided with our BenchStable media has properties that offer some resistance to moisture generated in a refrigerator environment.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

My BenchStable medium arrived partially/completely frozen. Is it still stable?

Yes, BenchStable media should be stable for use if received partially or completely frozen.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

Is degradation of BenchStable media due to light exposure only limited to fluorescent light?

Our in-house data, using refrigerated BenchStable media exposed to fluorescent light (https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/cell-culture/mammalian-cell-culture/classical-media/benchstable-cell-culture-media.html#results), illustrates the necessity of having light protection. While we have not tested other light spectrums; we recommend storing BenchStable media protected from any light exposure.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

How long can BenchStable media be exposed to light before cell growth is affected?

We have observed rapid degradation of several components within days from exposure of BenchStable media to common fluorescent light. We have also observed decreased cell growth using light-exposed media.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

What is the recommended usage timeframe for BenchStable media after serum supplementation?

BenchStable media can be used for up to 2-4 weeks after supplementation with serum. There are no formal studies to support this, but it is the rule of thumb used by our scientists.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

How long are BenchStable media good for after the bottle has been opened?

To reduce the chances of contamination and the impact of pH drift, we recommend using BenchStable media within 2-4 weeks after the bottle has been opened.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

How should I store complete or serum-supplemented BenchStable media?

Complete BenchStable media (for example, media supplemented with 10% FBS) should be stored at 4 degrees C.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

What is the shelf-life of BenchStable media?

BenchStable media have a 12 month shelf life, consistent with our standard basal media offerings.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.