A gross majority of classical apoptotic attributes can be quantitatively examined by flow cytometry, the preferred platform for rapid assessment of multiple cellular attributes at a single-cell level. However, sample preparation for such flow cytometry-based techniques could be challenging. Cell harvesting by trypsinization, mechanical or enzymatic cell disaggregation from tissues, extensive centrifugation steps, may all lead to preferential loss of apoptotic cells. To overcome this strictly follow manufacturers instruction of the detection kit.

Reporter gene assays enable high sensitivity measurement of gene expression and cell signaling through the addition of bioluminescent genes into target cells. One of the major challenges is to make a specific construct that has no responses other than those related to the signaling pathway of interest. This can be achieved by selecting highly specific reporter constructs containing only defined responsive elements and a minimal promoter linked to reporter enzymes such as luciferase

The RNA interference (RNAi) is used to inhibit gene expression or translation, by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules. Two types of RNA molecules such as microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) play a central role in RNAi. Few points have to considered to increase the transfection efficiency of siRNA. Always use healthy, actively dividing cells to maximize transfection efficiency. The confluency of cells should be between 50-70%. Always use the most appropriate siRNA concentration to avoid off-target effects and unwanted toxic side effects. Positive and negative controls should be used for each and every experiment to determine transfection efficiency.

A gross majority of classical apoptotic attributes can be quantitatively examined by flow cytometry, the preferred platform for rapid assessment of multiple cellular attributes at a single-cell level. However, sample preparation for such flow cytometry-based techniques could be challenging. Cell harvesting by trypsinization, mechanical or enzymatic cell disaggregation from tissues, extensive centrifugation steps, may all lead to preferential loss of apoptotic cells. To overcome this strictly follow manufacturers instruction of the detection kit.

Acid phosphatase detection heavily relies on determining the concentration of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in the sample. Hence, sample preparation is very crucial and it should be done strictly as per kit manufacturer instructions to avoid any inconsistency and poor sensitivity

DNA isolation and purification is the first critical step in sample preparation that helps ensure optimal performance of downstream assays like PCR, microarrays, and sequencing. Failure in yielding high-quality DNA would be the major reason that DNA doesn't work for the downstream application. To circumvent this, one should follow the recommended storage conditions to minimize DNA degradation by nucleases and shouldn't overload the purification system.