Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) provides a buffering system to maintain the physiological pH range and osmotic balance of the culture media. HBSS provides cells with a source of water and essential inorganic ions, and carbohydrate as an energy source.

Applications: HBSS with calcium and magnesium is useful for transporting cells or tissue samples, preparing reagents, suspension cultures, and reducing cell clumping. HBSS without calcium and magnesium can be useful for diluting cells for counting.