ATCC Launches the ATCC Genuine Cultures Emblem

Manassas, Virginia--ATCC® (American Type Culture Collection), the worlds largest nonprofit biological resource center, today unveiled its ATCC Genuine Cultures emblem at the American Society for Microbiologys 105th General Meeting in Atlanta.

(PRWEB) June 8, 2005 -- The ATCC Genuine Cultures emblem was designed to help customers identify authentic ATCC microbial strains that come directly from ATCC. The authenticity of microorganisms is paramount to the scientific process because these microorganisms serve as the foundation for scientific discovery.
   
Biological resource centers collect, authenticate, preserve and distribute biological materials for life science research. These knowledge centers advance science by providing access to and equitable distribution of biological materials such as cell lines, microorganisms and reagents.

ATCC catalog numbers are trademarks of the ATCC that have become universally recognized throughout the bioscience community to identify organisms. Unfortunately, the frequent use of ATCC designations can make it difficult for the customer to tell which products are authentic ATCC strains and which are counterfeits," explained Raymond H. Cypess, D.V.M., Ph.D., ATCC President and CEO. The ATCC Genuine Cultures emblem assures customers that the product is a genuine ATCC culture and meets ATCCs high standards backed by meticulous laboratory procedures and 80 years of experience."

The ATCC Genuine Cultures emblem signifies the highest quality for microbial strains, including:

- Full characterization of each strain to establish identity
- Use of a seed stock system to minimize subculturing
- Careful preservation and storage protocols to maintain the culture safely
and effectively.

Todays unveiling of the ATCC Genuine Cultures emblem follows last weeks introduction of the ATCC Licensed Derivative program. While the ATCC Genuine Cultures emblem distinguishes authentic ATCC microbial strains, the ATCC Licensed Derivative program employs licensing agreements to ensure the integrity of ATCC ingredients used in ATCC-derived quality control products. Both the ATCC Genuine Cultures emblem and the ATCC Licensed Derivative program are part of the broader ATCC Standard Initiative to ensure safety, quality and validity in support of the scientific method and protection of the public.

Since 1925, ATCC has set the standard for authenticating and distributing biological materials for life science research in the public and private sector. ATCCs mission is to acquire, authenticate, preserve and share its biological resources and knowledge to optimize research quality and productivity.

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