Improving efficiency of viability-PCR for selective detection of live cells

► Propidium monoazide (PMA) was applied in combination with quantitative PCR (qPCR) for selective detection of intact cells. ► Co-incubation of PMA with deoxycholate can only be applied to gram-negative species. ► PMA incubation temperature has a strong effect on dye uptake by damaged cells. ► When working with low dye concentrations, PMA-qPCR efficiency can easily be improved by longer incubation times. ► Elevated dye incubation temperature and extended incubation time greatly improve exclusion of dead cell signals.