CDC LOCS Lab Alert: Discontinue Use of the A549/MV1LU Mix for Respiratory Viral Culture Panels and Review Updated Biosafety FAQs

Because of the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 among laboratory workers, CDC recommends that laboratories discontinue the use of the A549/MV1LU mix when they perform respiratory viral culture panels. Using these specific cell lines has been shown to result in a very low level of SARS-CoV replication. CDC recommends that laboratories perform respiratory viral culture panels using cell lines that will not support SARS-CoV viral replication.

Additionally, CDC has recently updated the biosafety guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs). According to the updated guidelines, cultures or isolates of SARS-CoV-2 may now be shipped according to regulations for UN 3373 Biological Substances, Category B.

Learn more by reading the full CDC Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) Lab Alert here. Check out the CDC LOCS website and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information for Laboratories website for the latest information.