Difference between PBS and HBSS - (Feb/18/2013 )

When making up e.g. PFA or BSA or serum for the purposes of immunocytochemistry, what would be the difference between phosphate buffered saline and Hanks buffered saline solution? Same thing? or specific components in these buffers play a role in the dilution?

hanks contains glucose to help keep cells alive and happy for a longer time; in pbs alone they can become stressed and die if left for too long.

for instance I used hanks was for washing freshly isolated primary cells which may be sensitive to dying if not treated well.

if your solution isn't being used for live cells, you should use PBS for dilutions. the glucose in the HBSS may affect experimental results and is only needed for live cells.