ReadyProbes Cell Viability Imaging Kit, Blue/Red

Two-color nuclear staining assay for cell viability

This kit can be used to quickly and easily determine the viability of cells. NucBlue Live reagent stains the nuclei of all cells, while propidium iodide stains only the nuclei of dead cells.

This protocol can be used for:

Identifying live and dead cells using a fluorescence microscope

This protocol should not be used for:

Flow cytometry

You will need the following for this protocol:

Cells growing in culture
ReadyProbes Cell Viability Imaging Kit, Blue/Red (Cat. No. R37610)
Fluorescence microscope with DAPI and RFP or TRITC filters

Protocol

1. Culture cells in appropriate medium and vessel for microscopy

2. Add 2 drops each NucBlue Live and propidium iodide per mL of medium to label cells

3. Incubate 5–30 minutes

4. Image cells

Spectral information and storage

	NucBlue Live	Propidium iodide
Excitation/Emission	360/460 nm	535/617 nm
Standard filter set	DAPI	TRITC or RFP
EVOS Light Cube	DAPI	TRITC or RFP
Storage conditions	Room temperature	Room temperature

Protocol tips

In some cases, more or fewer drops may be needed to achieve optimal staining intensity
Image quality may be improved by replacing media with Live Cell Imaging Solution