ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>the main purpose of this study is to develop an assay for detection of skin viability in situ.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two nucleic acid dyes, SYTO 13 and ethidium bromide (EB), are used to assess the viability of skin tissue. The viability of cells can be determined by different colors under fluorescence microscope. In this study, the recovery of skin restored at 4 degrees C for different periods is measured by SYTO/EB dyes and a type of indirect assessment, WST-1. Then both results are compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results measured by two methods showed that the viability of skin tissue was nearly 30% after two weeks storage. At any point of experiment, the data from two methods have not obvious variance.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The assessment of skin viability by SYTO/EB is also quick, sensitive and convenient. At the same time the viability of any type of cells can be observed in situ. So it can be considered as an available method for detection of skin viability.</p>