The CytoScan™-fluoro is based on the quantification of cellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released when cells are damaged or under stress. Lactate dehydrogenase released into the culture medium is measured with a diaphorase coupled enzymatic assay that results in the conversion of a non-fluorescent compound (resazurin) to a fluorescent compound (resorufin), which is measured using a fluorometer. The assay detects even low level damage to cell membrane not detected with other methods.

The CytoScan™-fluoro kit does not damage healthy cells and the assay can be performed directly in the cell culture wells containing a mixed population of viable and damaged cells. The kit is supplied with substrate mix, assay buffer, and stop solution.