Annexin V assay

The Annexin V assay is a laboratory test used to detect early signs of cell death, specifically apoptosis, which is a process of programmed cell death important for maintaining healthy cells. In this assay, a special protein called Annexin V binds to a part of the cell membrane that becomes exposed during early apoptosis. Researchers can then use fluorescent markers to visualize and quantify these cells under a microscope. This test is valuable in studying diseases, drug effects, and other biological processes where understanding cell survival and death is crucial.