Choosing the right cytotoxicity assay depends on several factors:
1. Sensitivity and Specificity: Different assays have varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity. For instance, the MTT assay is highly sensitive but may not distinguish between different types of cell death. 2. Cell Type: Some assays may be more suitable for certain cell types. For example, the trypan blue exclusion assay is commonly used for primary cells. 3. Mechanism of Action: Understanding the mechanism of the compound's action can help in selecting the appropriate assay. For instance, if the compound affects mitochondrial function, an ATP assay might be more relevant. 4. Throughput Requirements: High-throughput assays like the MTT and ATP assays are suitable for screening large numbers of samples.
