Basic Calcein AM Cell Viability Kit
ICT’s Basic Calcein AM Cell Viability Kit allows researchers to easily and simultaneously differentiate between live and dead cells within a single sample. To use Calcein AM, simply add the reagent directly to the cell sample, incubate, and analyze (no wash steps necessary). Samples can be analyzed using a flow cytometer, fluorescence plate reader, or fluorescent microscope.
Basic Calcein AM Cell Viability Kit
Assessment of cell viability is a critical step during the evaluation of novel drug treatments and therapies for potential cytotoxic properties. ICT’s Basic Calcein AM Cell Viability kit allows for easy assessment of cell viability in a sample.
To use Calcein AM, simply add the reagent directly to the cell sample, incubate, and analyze (no wash steps necessary). Calcein AM is a membrane permeant, fluorogenic, reagent widely recognized for its utility in assessing the relative cell viability status of different cell populations. Calcein AM’s overall hydrophobic nature allows it to readily traverse the lipid bilayer structure of the cell membrane in a concentration gradient-dependent manner. Once inside the cell, the hydrophobic and non-fluorescent Calcein AM is quickly hydrolyzed by intracellular esterases that are active in live cells. This leads to the cleavage and removal of two non-polar acetoxymethyl ester (AM) groups. Once the AM groups have been cleaved, the resulting polar (hydrophilic) and now fluorescence-capable Calcein dye molecule is efficiently retained within the confines of the cell membrane. Polar dye molecules will naturally be excluded from passive diffusion back out of the cell again due to the hydrophobic lipid bilayer composition of the cell membrane. Dead cells lack active esterases and do not cleave Calcein AM.
Samples can be analyzed using a flow cytometer, fluorescence plate reader, or fluorescent microscope.
Calcein AM
Intracellular esterases
494 nm / 520 nm
Flow cytometry, Fluorescence microscope, fluorescence plate reader
Cell culture
Calcein AM at ≤-20°C, other components at 2-8°C
Domestic: Overnight Delivery; International: Priority Shipping
United States
- Prepare samples and controls.
- Dilute 10X Cellular Assay Buffer 1:10 with diH2O.
- Reconstitute Calcein AM with 50 µL DMSO to prepare 2 mM stock solution.
- Dilute 2 mM Calcein AM stock solution 1:5 by adding 200 µL diH2O or PBS, forming a 400 µM stock solution.
- Stain with Calcein AM at a concentration between 1-10 µM. The ideal staining concentration can vary based on cell line, application, etc., and should be determined by the end user. The recommended sample size is 0.4 mL.
- Add Calcein AM to each sample and mix gently. For example, to stain a 0.4 mL sized sample with 10 µM Calcein AM, add 10 µL of the 400 µM stock solution.
- Incubate approximately 1 hour.
- Analzye with a flow cytometer, fluorescence microscope, or fluorescence plate reader. Calcein AM excites at 494 nm and emits at 520 nm.