Culture flask vent cap - (Jan/23/2008 )

Hi - in my previous labs they have always told me to keep the vented caps on tissue culture flasks clear of media/fluids because it would not longer let gases pass through. I recently had a shipment of cells shipped live overnight. The flask was completely filled with media for the transportation purposes. My lab does not use this brand (Corning), and so we don't have caps to replace. Passaging is not recommended because the cells have a limited passage life. I wanted to know if the vented cap will be fine. I called Corning about it and they said it would be okay, so I just wanted to double check here with people's experience.

Thanks,
- Eli

-eli2k-

QUOTE (eli2k @ Jan 23 2008, 02:35 PM)

Hi - in my previous labs they have always told me to keep the vented caps on tissue culture flasks clear of media/fluids because it would not longer let gases pass through...... I wanted to know if the vented cap will be fine....

I suppose it depends on how long the vent membrane stays 'wet'. In the mean time you could just loosen the cap a little bit to allow gas exchange.

-JAH-

QUOTE (JAH @ Jan 23 2008, 05:20 PM)

I suppose it depends on how long the vent membrane stays 'wet'. In the mean time you could just loosen the cap a little bit to allow gas exchange.

I don't want to risk contamination; these cells are grown without antibiotics. In the mean time, I found out a BD Falcon cap will fit, and I wrapped parafilm around the neck to ensure complete sealing.

-eli2k-

My lab routinely grows cells in corning flasks without antibiotics and has no problems with loosened non-vented caps. Of course, your mileage may vary.

-TheSquire-