Celtesten

Celtesten is a term found in Dutch-language scientific writing that refers broadly to procedures and assays used to evaluate properties and responses of living cells. The word literally means "cell tests" and is used to describe a family of laboratory techniques rather than a single standardized method. In practice, celtesten encompass experiments designed to measure cell health, function, and reaction to interventions, including both basic research and applied contexts such as drug screening or toxicology.

Common aims include assessing cell viability and cytotoxicity, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, metabolism, and gene or protein expression in response to compounds, genetic changes, or environmental conditions.

Typical methods include viability assays (such as MTT, resazurin), dye exclusion tests (Trypan blue), cell counting, flow cytometry for cell cycle and apoptosis, high-content imaging, immunostaining, qPCR, and transcriptomics or proteomics readouts.

Workflow and standards: Celtesten procedures emphasize appropriate controls, replication, and standardized reporting to enable comparison across laboratories. Reproducibility can be affected by cell line provenance, culture conditions, and assay design. In clinical contexts, celtesten intersect with cytology and companion diagnostic development, subject to ethical and regulatory oversight.

Terminology and scope: The term is more common in Dutch, and English-language references typically use "cell-based assays" or "cell testing" rather than a fixed term "celtesten." The article notes that its meaning can vary between laboratories and disciplines.