Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS), without Ca & Mg, with Phenol Red

Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS), without Ca & Mg, with Phenol Red is used for various cell culture applications, such as rinsing cells, transporting cells or tissue samples, diluting cells for counting, and preparing reagents. The essential function of a balanced salt solution is to maintain pH and osmotic balance, as well as providing cells with water and essential inorganic ions.

When using Hank's Balanaced Salt Solution (HBSS) as a buffer, it is able to neutralize small amounts of acid or base. This acts as a stabilizor to maintain the pH level of a solution.

HBSS supplemented with phenol red helps to monitor the pH through the range of pH 6.2 to 8.2, gradually changing the color of the solution from yellow to red.