What is cell viability?

What exactly is "cell viability"—and why is it so misunderstood in the stem cell space? In this video, Dr. Centeno unpacks what viability really means, how it's measured, and why the standard methods used by tissue vendors may not tell the full story. You’ll learn: 🔹Why dye exclusion tests like trypan blue only reveal membrane integrity—not overall cell health 🔹The importance of detecting apoptotic cells using flow cytometry 🔹Why real viability requires demonstrating proliferation and function in culture 🔹How tri-lineage differentiation proves stem cells are truly functional Dr. Centeno compares testing methods to patient health as a relatable analogy, emphasizing that a cell being "alive" isn't enough. For stem cell therapies to work, those cells must also be healthy, functional, and capable of repair. Dr. Centeno is a pioneer in interventional orthobiologics and founder of the Centeno-Schultz Clinic. He brings years of lab and clinical experience to help you navigate what viability numbers really mean. 🔔 If you find this content helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe to stay informed.    / @centenohome   To schedule a telemedicine or in-person visit, call +1-303-429-6448 or email us at icabral@centenoschultz.com. Dr. Centeno also answers questions on his Reddit thread at   / picl   Join him for weekly Facebook Lives at   / centenoschultzclinic   to learn more. These Facebook Lives are also available in podcast format on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/35d... Download Dr Centeno's book on craniocervical instability at https://centenoschultz.com/craniocerv... Join CCI Communities: PICL SubReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/PICL/?rdt=58942 PICL Facebook Group:   / ccjpicl   Follow us for updates and news: Website: https://centenoschultz.com/ https://regenexx.com/ Facebook:   / centenoschultzclinic   Instagram:   / centenoschultzclinic   LinkedIn:   / chris-centeno-m-d-b6838024   Centeno-Schultz Clinic 403 Summit Blvd Suite 201 Broomfield, CO 80021 303-429-6448 Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: What is cell viability and why does it matter? 00:21 – Viability defined: percentage of living cells doesn’t equal cell health 01:06 – The 4 essential tests for viability and vitality 01:32 – Dye exclusion test explained (trypan blue, ESN, propidium) 02:28 – Apoptosis, proliferation, and functional assays complete the picture