Measuring DNA Damage
in Cell Cultures

Exposure to a test substance can result in damage to the chromosomes or spindle apparatus of cells. During routine cell division, this type of damage can create a smaller ‘micro’-nucleus, apart from the main nucleus.

The key element of this method is the sequential staining. One staining step identifies dead and dying cells. The second step lyses cells and stains DNA. This approach allows you to distinguish micronuclei from other events, such as apoptotic bodies.

In Vitro MicroFlow kits use flow cytometry to quickly and reproducibly measure micronuclei.