Leibovitz Medium was specifically designed to grow cells in a CO₂ free atmosphere.

• Does not require supplementation with sodium bicarbonate
• Can be used under conditions of free gaseous exchange with the atmosphere
• Can be used to grow human tumor cells and embryonic cells
• Frequently used in diagnostic virology

The standard sodium bicarbonate/CO₂ buffering system is replaced by a combination of free base amino acids, phosphate buffers, and higher levels of galactose and sodium pyruvate. As a result, the medium does not require supplementation with sodium bicarbonate and can be used under conditions of free gaseous exchange with the atmosphere. The medium can be used to grow human tumor cells and embryonic cells and also established cell lines like HeLa and Hep-2. The medium is frequently used in diagnostic virology where tissue cell lines or strains need to be grown in closed systems. Leibovitz medium obviates the need for frequent medium change.