Accurate prediction of the adverse effects of test compounds on living systems,
detection of toxic thresholds, and expansion of experimental data sets to include multiple
toxicity end-point analysis are required for any robust screening regime. Alamar Blue is an
important redox indicator that is used to evaluate metabolic function and cellular health.
The Alamar Blue bioassay has been utilized over the past 50 years to assess cell viability
and cytotoxicity in a range of biological and environmental systems and in a number of cell
types including bacteria, yeast, fungi, protozoa and cultured mammalian and piscine cells.
It offers several advantages over other metabolic indicators and other cytotoxicity assays.
However, as with any bioassay, suitability must be determined for each application and cell
model. This review seeks to highlight many of the important considerations involved in
assay use and design in addition to the potential pitfalls