I am using SYTOX AAdvanced as a dead cell stain, but all of my cells are labeling even though I am certain that they are supposed to be alive. These are adherent cells that I have trypsinized. Why am I getting false-dead signals?
SYTOX AAdvanced labels only dead cells because it is a cell impermeant dye. The dye can only enter cells that have a compromised plasma membrane. Trypsinization may cause temporary disruption of the plasma membrane, sufficient to allow staining with a cell impermeant dye. You can reduce the false-dead problem by either reducing the amount of trypsin and/or reduce the incubation time for trypsinization or use a gentler dissociation reagent such as TrypLE Express, TrypLESelect reagents, or Versene. After trypsinization, wash well, and if possible, allow a recovery time in normal culture media before staining with any of the SYTOX dyes.
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Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.