Culture Collections

How to deposit strains with NCTC 

The process for depositing bacterial strains is relatively simple and requires a dialogue between the depositor and NCTC. This is essential to ensure that relevant biosafety and culture information is captured. The system is deliberately flexible in order for NCTC and end users to meet depositor requirements.



Why deposit with us?

There are two main reasons why scientists and clinicians deposit strains with the National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC).  Firstly, when they isolate a novel species of bacteria, as part of the process of naming and describing the organism, authors are required to deposit the type strain in at least two culture collections located in different countries to comply with the Bacteriological Code.  They must also provide documentary evidence that the strains have been deposited, are viable and available to other researchers without restrictions on their use for taxonomic research.     

Secondly, many researchers ensure the bacterial strains they isolate (e.g as part of an outbreak investigation and/or for their particular characteristics) are preserved and available to the wider scientific community by depositing with NCTC. 

Please note:

  • when depositing a proposed novel species of bacteria all information associated with the strain will be held as confidential, and the strain will not be made available by NCTC for three years or until the depositor receives a response to their literature submission. The three years can be prolonged if, in any circumstance, the depositor requires an extension in the future. However, in this case, we rely on depositors keeping us informed on the progress of their publication


Before we can receive or collect new deposits NCTC will notify you of acceptance of your bacteria


Culture Collections staff are here to ensure that the deposit of strains into our collection is a trouble-free experience.

Please contact us if you have any further questions.



NCTC Deposit Form 

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