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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Viability Assays for Cells in Culture
12:03

Viability Assays for Cells in Culture

Published on: January 20, 2014

Assessment of cell viability.

Simon Johnson1, Vy Nguyen1, David Coder2

  • 1University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.

Current Protocols in Cytometry
|April 3, 2013
PubMed
Summary

This study details methods for assessing cell viability using dye exclusion, esterase activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. It covers techniques for both live and fixed cells, enhancing cell analysis in research.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Accurate assessment of cell viability is crucial for biological research.
  • Traditional methods may have limitations in specific applications or cell types.
  • Standardized protocols are needed for reliable viability measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a comprehensive set of methods for evaluating cell viability.
  • To include protocols for both live and fixed cells.
  • To cover various viability assessment techniques, including dye exclusion and metabolic activity.

Main Methods:

  • Dye exclusion assays (live/dead cell dyes).
  • Assessment of esterase activity.
  • Measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential.
  • Protocols for pre-fixation viability of fixed cells using amine-reactive dyes.

Main Results:

  • Established methods for determining cell viability based on membrane integrity and metabolic function.
  • Provided protocols applicable to a range of microscopy techniques.
  • Included procedures for assessing viability before or after cell fixation.

Conclusions:

  • The presented methods offer robust approaches for cell viability assessment.
  • These techniques support accurate cell analysis in diverse biological studies.
  • The unit provides valuable protocols for researchers utilizing microscopy and cell-based assays.

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