MTS Cell Proliferation Assay Kit is a colorimetric method for sensitive quantification of viable cells in proliferation and cytotoxicity assay.

The method is based on the reduction of MTS tetrazolium compound by viable cells to generate a colored formazan product that is soluble in cell culture media. This conversion is thought to be carried out by NAD(P)H-dependent dehydrogenase enzymes in metabolically active cells. The formazan dye produced by viable cells can be quantified by measuring the absorbance at 490-500 nm.

The assay can be used for the measurement of cell proliferation in response to growth factors, cytokines, mitogens, and nutrients, etc. It can also be used for the analysis of cytotoxic compounds like anticancer drugs and many other toxic agents and pharmaceutical compounds. MTS assay is performed by adding the reagent directly into the cell culture media without the intermittent steps, which are required in the routine MTT assay.