The most common and accurate assays to measure
cell proliferation rely on measuring DNA content or
DNA synthesis in replicating cells. These assays typically involve incubating live cells with compounds such as Thymidine analogs that can be incorporated into newly synthesized DNA. The compounds are then detected using a reporter. Cell proliferation assays are performed using standard methods such as
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, immunofluorescence,
immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and high content imaging.