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Trypan Blue Exclusion Test of Cell Viability.
1National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
Current Protocols in Immunology
|November 4, 2015
Summary
This method uses trypan blue staining for light microscopy to quantify cell viability. It differentiates between viable cells with clear cytoplasm and nonviable cells with blue cytoplasm.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy Techniques
Background:
- Accurate assessment of cell viability is crucial in biological research.
- Traditional methods may require specialized equipment or reagents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a simple protocol for light microscopic quantitation of cell viability.
- To provide a clear method for distinguishing viable from nonviable cells.
Main Methods:
- Cells are suspended in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS).
- Trypan blue stain is added to the cell suspension.
- Samples are examined under a light microscope.
Main Results:
- Viable cells exclude trypan blue, exhibiting clear cytoplasm.
- Nonviable cells take up trypan blue, showing blue cytoplasm.
