Materials deposited at BEI Resources are characterized using a variety of tests depending on the product.  These test include:

• Verification of viability and purity

• Phenotypic properties (biochemical profiles, morphology, serology)

• Genotypic analysis (sequencing, ribotyping, PCR-based tests)

Materials are expanded for distribution when necessary, using protocols that minimize passage number. The BEI Resources facility is specially designed for long-term, secure storage of biological materials. Information on each reagent becomes part of BEI Resources and is available to registered scientists for their research.