Comet Assay Control Cells

In a typical comet assay, electrophoresis methods and differences in cell preparations create a significant source of variation in comet tail parameters. To overcome this problem, Trevigen, Inc. (Gaithersburg, MD) scientists developed a set of stable control cell populations containing incremental levels of DNA damage for use when performing the CometAssay. These control cells, when electrophoresed in the CometAssay, consistently produce comets with predetermined percents of DNA in the tails. These cryopreserved cells as controls to standardize and compare alkaline electrophoresis methods between individual users and laboratories.