Cell washing

[SPatula]

I have a question

I know you can wash cells by using PBS or a Sodiumchloride solution (I know there are probably more, but these are the ones we've got here).
Some people here use PBS others the Sodiumchloride solution, but are there exceptions when you can use one but not the other?

[canalon]

PBS: phosphate buffered saline.
Sodium chloride solution: saline (unbuffered).

One is easier to make, but can be a problem if there is some sort of pH sensitivity. Although I guess that if your assay is phosphate sensitive, PBS might not be a good idea.

[MichaelXY]

I think PBS would precipitate if calcium is present, not sure about Iron.

[mcar]

It depends. if there are chemicals that could dehydrate cells quickly or could disintegrate cell contents--gotta go to a next technique that is suited in studying cells. Normal saline solution afterall is isotonic.