Annexin-V

Purpose

 * Stains cells in early stage of apoptosis
 * Binds selectively to phosphatidylserine, which is flipped to the outside of cell membrane early in apoptosis

Procurement

 * Standard companies

Use

 * Conjugated to fluorochrome of your choice (FITC, PE, Biotin, etc.)
 * Used in conjunction with vital dye (e.g. PI, 7-AAD) to distinguish dead cells from apoptotic cells
 * Annexin-V +/7-AAD +: Dead
 * Annexin-V +/7-AAD -: Apoptotic
 * BD Biosciences protocol

Safety

 * No significant considerations (BD Biosciences MSDS Sheet)