The SF cell line was derived by ViroMed Laboratories from a normal, human foreskin (at birth) and has been found to be similar to other widely used human fibroblast lines. It has a finite life span of 40-50 population doublings before onset of senescence. The SF fibroblast cells are susceptible to a wide range of viruses.

Culture Medium
Minimum essential medium (Eagle), with 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum.

Growth Characteristics
Cells seeded at a concentration of 4x104 cells/cm2 in the above culture medium will be 100% confluent in 7 days.

Morphology
Fibroblast-like.

Common Utilization
Supports the growth of a broad range of viruses, including Adenoviruses; Coxsackie A; Cytomegalovirus; Echovirus; Herpes simplex Virus; Poliovirus; and Varicella Zoster Virus. In addition, these cells are useful in the Clostridium difficile cytotoxin assay.