Advice on the most efficient way to differentiate between live and dead cells when using flow cytometry?
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Hoechst is great for counting all cells since it stains all nuclei (live and dead cells). To enumerate dead cells we routinely use Propidium iodide (PI). PI is a membrane impermeable dye that is excluded form viable cell membranes. If your cells are positive for PI they are most likely dead or apoptotic. Both stains are incorporated very quickly into cells at low concentrations.
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