Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

What are international units and how do they relate to our products?

April 26, 2017International products relate units

0

Posted

What are international units and how do they relate to our products?

1 Answer

0

Posted

Independent measurements of the biological activity of a specific protein may vary due to differences in bioassay systems and cell culture conditions between laboratories. In order to standardize the measurement of many cytokines and growth factors, the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, UK (NIBSC) produce batches of protein with assigned biological activity against which the activity of various cytokine preparations can be tested. The purpose of this effort is to provide an international “gold standard” for testing and manufacturing biological therapeutics. In order to calculate the IU of a cytokine, the cytokine must be assayed side by side with an NIBSC standard. CST offers cytokines and growth factors sold by weight and not IU. We are not assaying our cytokines against the NIBSC standards at this time.