IVD reagents for cell biology include blocking buffers such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) to prevent non-specific binding in an immunoassay; carrier proteins like gelatin and gamma globulins to stabilise antibodies or analytes; and enzyme substrates such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) to facilitate detection.
Additional examples are media, additives and detachment agents for culturing live cells; lysates and purified proteins that can be employed as controls; protease inhibitors and phosphatase inhibitors to maintain protein functionality following cell lysis; animal serum for diluting antibody reagents; and cellular stains for monitoring viability.
Cell biology reagents may be purchased separately or can be key components of an IVD kit. In either scenario they must meet regulatory requirements for IVD use.