Selecting the appropriate cell viability assay depends on several factors, including the type of cells, the experimental conditions, and the specific research question. Considerations include:
- Sensitivity and Specificity: Some assays are more sensitive and specific than others. For example, ATP assays are highly sensitive, while trypan blue exclusion is less so. - Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Determine whether quantitative data (e.g., MTT, ATP assay) or qualitative observations (e.g., trypan blue exclusion) are needed. - Type of Cells: Certain assays may be more suitable for specific cell types. For example, the LDH assay is often used for adherent cells. - Throughput Requirements: High-throughput assays like the ATP assay are advantageous for large-scale screening.
