Colony forming cell assay

Colony forming cell assay using methylcellulose

Last updated: 10/23/12 By: Tim Starr

Overview

The colony forming cell (CFC) assay, also referred to as the methylcellulose assay, is an in vitro assay used in the study of hematopoietic stem cells. The assay is based on the ability of hematopoietic progenitors to proliferate and differentiate into colonies in a semi-solid media in response to cytokine stimulation. The colonies formed can be enumerated and characterized according to their unique morphology.

Protocol