Merck, H8264-1L, Hanks′ Balanced Salt solution

General description
Hanks’ Balanced Salt solution (HBSS) is a buffer that mimics biological medium and stabilizes cells. It is useful in leucocyte labeling studies. HBSS is an effective preservative for periodontal ligament cells. HBSS lacks essential inorganic ions and is useful in starvation studies.
Application
Calcium and magnesium are included in this formulation and support cell adhesion. Used to minimize cell attachment or aggregation.

Hanks’ Balanced Salt solution has been used:

as a rinse solution for hepatocytes
for hippocampi dissection
in corrosion testing of dog-bone specimens
for starvation studies in breast cancer cell line
as a component of dissociation solution for dorsal root ganglion
as a chamber solution for the patch-clamp apparatus

Other Notes
Phenol red has been shown to interfere with the growth of some cells at cloning densities. Use this medium when working with stem cells or when growing cells at low densities.