Hanks′ Balanced Salt solution

Hanks’ Balanced Salt solution (HBSS) is a buffer that mimics biological medium and stabilizes cells. It is useful in leucocyte labeling studies. HBSS is an effective preservative for periodontal ligament cells. HBSS lacks essential inorganic ions and is useful in starvation studies.

Calcium and magnesium are included in this formulation and support cell adhesion. Used to minimize cell attachment or aggregation.


Hanks’ Balanced Salt solution has been used:

• as a rinse solution for hepatocytes
• for hippocampi dissection
• in corrosion testing of dog-bone specimens
• for starvation studies in breast cancer cell line
• as a component of dissociation solution for dorsal root ganglion
• as a chamber solution for the patch-clamp apparatus

Phenol red has been shown to interfere with the growth of some cells at cloning densities. Use this medium when working with stem cells or when growing cells at low densities.