Measuring Cell Death by Trypan Blue Uptake and Light Microscopy

Cold Spring Harb Protoc. 2016 Jul 1;2016(7). doi: 10.1101/pdb.prot087155.

Abstract

Trypan blue is a colorimetric dye that stains dead cells with a blue color easily observed using light microscopy at low resolution. The staining procedure is rapid and cells can be analyzed within minutes. The number of live (unstained) and dead (blue) cells can be counted using a hemocytometer on a basic upright microscope. Trypan blue staining is therefore a convenient assay for rapidly determining the overall viability of cells in a culture before commencing scientific experimentation, or for quantitating cell death following treatment with any cytotoxic stimuli.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Count / methods
  • Cell Death*
  • Coloring Agents / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Staining and Labeling / methods*
  • Trypan Blue / metabolism*

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Trypan Blue