Monoclonal antibody supernatant and ascites fluid production

Procedures detailing the production of monoclonal antibody supernatants, including the production of larger amounts (liters), are presented here. The protocol for large-scale production of hybridomas or cells (e.g., for isolation of cellular proteins) involves a similar procedure. A method for producing and obtaining ascites fluid containing the monoclonal antibody is also presented. The unit ends with a set of recommendations developed by the Committee on Methods of Producing Monoclonal Antibodies (Institute of Laboratory Animal Research, National Research Council). The recommendations are designed to foster the judicious use of animals for the production of monoclonal antibodies and to strongly encourage the use of in vitro methods whenever possible.