Materials deposited at IRR are characterized using a variety of tests depending on the product. These test include: 

• Verification of viability and purity

• Phenotypic properties (biochemical profiles, morphology, serology)

• Genotypic analysis (sequencing, ribotyping, PCR-based tests)

Materials are expanded for distribution when necessary, using protocols that minimize passage number. The IRR facility is specially designed for long-term, secure storage of biological materials. Information on each reagent becomes part of IRR and is available to registered scientists for their research.