The LIVE/DEAD Fixable viability kits allow for clear determination of live and dead cells, enabling more precise analysis with both conventional and spectral flow cytometry. Cells labeled with LIVE/DEAD Fixable viability dyes can be washed, fixed, permeabilized, and stained for intracellular antigens while maintaining distinct live and dead cell populations. The narrow and unique emission spectra are ideal for expanding high-parameter flow cytometry experiments.

Features of the LIVE/DEAD Fixable viability dyes include:
• Bright—allows for easy distinction between live and dead cells in a single channel
• Robust—similar staining pattern before and after fixation & permeabilization
• Convenient—packaged in individual vials for ease of use

Bright
The LIVE/DEAD Fixable viability dyes were designed to provide a bright signal with minimal overlap into adjacent channels, simplifying spectral compensation. Since live and dead cells can be discriminated using a single flow cytometer channel, these viability dyes are an ideal choice for multi-color experiments. Additionally, their unique spectral fingerprints are a valuable addition to spectral flow cytometry experiments.

Robust
The LIVE/DEAD Fixable viability dyes can enter and covalently label proteins inside dead cells, resulting in a fluorescence intensity much brighter than live cells. This staining pattern is preserved following fixation. Other types of viability dyes can lose sensitivity after treatment with fixatives required for intracellular staining protocols.

Convenient
The LIVE/DEAD Fixable viability dyes have been conveniently packaged in single-use vials to help ensure dye stability and performance over time. Dissolve the dye in the included anhydrous DMSO and use immediately or store at -20°C, avoiding freeze-thaw cycles.

How it works
In cells with compromised membranes, the viability dye reacts with free amines both in the cell interior and on the cell surface, yielding intense fluorescent staining. In viable cells, the dye's reactivity is restricted to the cell-surface amines, resulting in less intense fluorescence. The difference in intensity is typically greater than 50-fold between live and dead cells, allowing for easy discrimination.

Colors available
LIVE/DEAD Fixable viability dyes and dead cell stains are available in a wide variety of colors to meet your multi-color panel needs. The LIVE/DEAD Fixable Dead Cell Stain Sampler Kit provides one vial (40 assays) of each of eight available dead cell stains.