Assessment of the genotoxic potential of Hoechst 33342, SYBR-14 and PI using the SOS ChromoTest(™).

Fluorochromes in combination with flow cytometry can be used for laboratory assessment of semen quality in humans and domestic animals. Some studies have reported the potential toxicity of these fluorochromes toward the cells analyzed, but not toward the laboratory technician who operates the analytical instrument. We tested the genotoxic potential of three fluorochromes, SYBR-14, propidium iodide, and Hoechst 33342, using the colorimetric SOS ChromoTest(™). The test revealed no genotoxic potential for any of the three fluorochromes within the dilution ranges investigated. We conclude that occasional direct contact with these fluorescent probes does not necessarily pose a genotoxic hazard.