SERVICES
IMR Culture Collection (IMRCC)
Introduction
The IMR Culture Collection (IMRCC) was established in 1979 with the primary objective of maintaining and managing bacterial isolates obtained by researchers at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR). Since its inception, IMRCC has accumulated over 5,000 bacterial isolates, making it the largest bacterial collection in Malaysia. IMRCC aspires to be a leading national center for the preservation and maintenance of microorganisms. The IMRCC laboratory is equipped with various instruments essential for culture preservation activities, including lyophilizers (freeze dryers), ultra-low temperature freezers, nitrogen tanks, biological safety cabinets, microscopes, and other related equipment.
Objectives
To carry out activities related to the preservation and maintenance of microbial culture collections for researchers at the Institute for Medical Research.
To provide microbial cultures for research and diagnostic activities at the Institute for Medical Research.
To ensure that all bacterial isolates stored under IMRCC are of high quality, maintaining a passage number of less than five.
To offer and manage the National Quality Assurance Program (NQAP) – Bacteriology Module, a competency program for microbiology laboratories in Malaysia.
Services Offered
1. Lyophilization / Freeze Drying (Long-Term Storage)
The main service provided by IMRCC is freeze-drying (lyophilization) for the long-term preservation of bacterial cultures. This service is available to researchers who wish to store bacterial isolates used in their studies. IMRCC not only performs the freeze-drying process but also conducts viability testing to ensure the quality and longevity of stored bacteria (lasting more than 10 years). All bacterial data are securely recorded and accessible only to authorized personnel. Any distribution or supply of bacteria must receive prior approval from the Head of Department.
2. Culture Stock Storage
IMRCC also offers bacterial culture storage using the culture stock technique. Unlike lyophilization, this method involves storing bacteria in a tube containing Tryptic Soy Broth with 15% v/v glycerol. These culture stocks are kept in ultra-low freezers at -80°C. All information on stored cultures is securely managed and accessible only to authorized personnel. Any dissemination or supply of bacteria requires approval from the Head of Department.
3. Bacterial Sales / Supply
Currently, IMRCC does not sell or supply bacterial cultures to any parties. Researchers who wish to obtain bacterial cultures from IMRCC must collaborate with IMR researchers or obtain official approval from the Head of Department.
4. Consultation / Training
IMRCC also serves as a reference center for bacterial culture preservation techniques. The unit offers consultancy services and attachment training for officers interested in this field. In addition, IMRCC organizes the Culture Stock Handling Course once every two years.
5. National Quality Assurance Program (NQAP)
IMRCC is responsible for conducting the National Quality Assurance Program (NQAP) for the Bacteriology Module, which supports microbiology laboratories in meeting ISO 15189 competency requirements. The program is conducted twice a year, involving four bacterial strains that must be isolated, identified, and tested for antimicrobial resistance. To date, 73 government and private hospitals have participated in this program.