4 Ways To Prepare For A Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) Shortage

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a critical component in cell culture applications, but the U.S. beef supply decline is impacting its availability. To mitigate potential shortages, laboratories should take proactive steps to secure their supply.

First, partnering with a reliable supplier that has a fully integrated supply chain and direct relationships with abattoirs can help ensure stable access. A secondary supplier should also be validated to meet process requirements and provide a streamlined supply chain.

Building reserves is another key strategy. Since FBS has a five-year shelf life, laboratories can stock up in bulk or reserve anticipated supply needs upfront with suppliers to navigate future shortages.

Additionally, expanding sourcing options beyond U.S.-derived FBS can provide flexibility. Corning Life Sciences offers FBS that meets USDA safety standards from Australia, Mexico, and Central America. This diversification can help laboratories maintain a steady supply.

With decades of experience and technical expertise, Corning provides high-quality FBS and tailored supply planning solutions. By taking proactive measures today, research and production teams can ensure continuous access to this essential resource, avoiding disruptions in their work