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Product Name: Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium (IMDM)
Product Code: Commonly identified as IMDM in research labs worldwide
Chemical Family: Cell culture medium
Manufacturer/Supplier: Most major biotech companies and chemical distributors handle IMDM
Intended Use: Used in mammalian cell culture, prominent in academic and clinical research for growing lymphocytes and hybridomas
Contact Information: Suppliers publish up-to-date safety contacts on their official websites or packaging
Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for regular handling
Physical Hazards: Not flammable or explosive
Health Hazards: Material is considered of low acute toxicity, ingestion of large quantities can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, dust from powder form could irritate eyes and respiratory system, people with sensitivities to select ingredients (e.g., phenol red, antibiotics) should avoid direct contact
Environmental Hazards: Spills in large amounts can disrupt aquatic life in concentrated zones, but typical lab-scale use presents limited risk
Main Ingredients: Inorganic salts (sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride); D-glucose; amino acids (L-glutamine, L-arginine, L-cysteine, methionine, tryptophan, others); vitamins (biotin, folic acid, riboflavin, nicotinamide, others); sodium bicarbonate; buffer agents such as HEPES (sometimes added); trace elements; optional supplements like phenol red and antibiotics (depends on supplier)
Concentration Range: Most components kept below levels that trigger hazardous labeling
Toxic Components: None present in individual concentrations considered immediately toxic, but sodium and glucose should not be ingested indiscriminately
Eye Contact: Flush eyes for at least 15 minutes with running water, remove contact lenses to ensure surface is clear; seek medical attention if redness or discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water, especially before eating; remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, rest in a position comfortable for breathing, call for medical help if symptoms (such as coughing, irritation) persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, drink water to reduce concentration, seek medical care if large quantities have been swallowed or symptoms develop
Note for Medical Personnel: No specific antidote, treat symptoms as they arise
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or foam as required for surrounding fire, IMDM is not flammable
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None inherently unsuitable due to product nature
Fire Hazards: Decomposes only under intense heat to release oxides of carbon and nitrogen, normal storage does not pose a fire risk
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use standard personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid exposure to potential decomposition gases
Special Procedures: Prevent run-off from contaminating waterways; avoid inhaling smoke or vapors arising from combustion
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, protective goggles, and lab coats; avoid generating dust when cleaning powder spills
Environmental Precautions: Do not pour large spills into drains or waterways, contain spills with sand or absorbent material
Clean-Up Methods: Use moist paper towels for small spills, vacuum larger dry spills with HEPA-filtered equipment, collect all waste in a labeled container for appropriate disposal, clean area with plenty of water
Handling: Use in well-ventilated rooms, minimize direct contact by wearing gloves and avoiding ingestion or inhalation during solution preparation, wear masks if powder form is in use, avoid spillage and cross-contamination with other cell culture substances
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, away from direct sunlight and heat, maintain dry conditions if storing as powder, refrigerate solutions at 2–8°C to prevent degradation or microbial growth, segregate from incompatible materials (strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents)
Occupational Exposure Limits: No exposure limits published for IMDM or its general constituents, practice standard laboratory hygiene
Engineering Controls: Install local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne dust, use fume hood for operations likely to generate aerosol
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (preferably nitrile), safety goggles, lab coats, particulate masks if handling powder, never eat or drink where medium is handled
General Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; keep food and drink away from areas where IMDM is prepared or used
Appearance: Fine, off-white to pinkish powder before mixing; forms clear red or orange-red liquid when hydrated, depending on whether phenol red is present
Odor: Characteristic mild, almost neutral
pH (solution): Generally 7.2–7.4 when prepared according to specifications
Boiling Point: Similar to water for prepared solutions
Melting/Freezing Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Readily dissolves in water
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Density: Liquid: similar to water; Powder: bulk density varies by supplier but falls in known range for cell culture media
Chemical Stability: Stable in unopened, dry packaging under proper storage; solutions gradually lose effectiveness beyond recommended shelf life
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture for powder, freezing and thawing for solutions
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis, high concentrations of metal contaminants
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Under extreme conditions, could produce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of dust, skin/eye contact, accidental ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Not acutely toxic at exposure levels found in standard labs
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of chronic effects documented in humans; continuous skin or eye exposure may cause mild irritation
Carcinogenicity: No ingredients listed by IARC, OSHA, or NTP as known carcinogens
Mutagenicity and Teratogenicity: Relevant literature does not identify mutagenic or teratogenic risks at standard use concentrations
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: People with allergies to any component (e.g., phenol red, antibiotics) may experience heightened sensitivity
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity at environmental levels expected from standard laboratory waste
Persistence and Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable, most components degrade naturally under normal environmental conditions
Bioaccumulate Potential: Unlikely to bioaccumulate, components break down into simple substances
Mobility in Soil: High solubility means rapid dilution and breakdown, minimal long-term environmental accumulation from conventional usage
Waste Treatment Methods: Mix with ample water before disposal in accordance with local regulations, never dispose of concentrated medium or large amounts in regular trash or down the sink without permission
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse bottles or carboys before recycling or disposal, follow local guidelines for decontaminating or incinerating plasticware
Special Disposal Requirements: If medium is contaminated with infectious agents, autoclave before disposal; coordinate with institutional biosafety and chemical safety office
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not required
Special Precautions: Seal containers tightly, protect from physical damage and moisture, avoid stacking heavy objects atop in transit
Transport Regulations: IMDM falls under non-hazardous goods for air, land, and sea; most couriers and carriers support regular transport, but local rules may vary
Regulatory Status: Not listed as hazardous under OSHA, GHS, or WHMIS classifications
SARA Section 313: Not subject to reporting
TSCA Inventory: Ingredients generally classified as nonhazardous; individual chemicals may be listed but at non-hazardous quantities
California Proposition 65: Does not contain substances subject to Proposition 65 warning
EU Classification: Not classified as dangerous according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP/GHS); no risk or safety phrases required
