The assay is designed to detect ADP/ATP ratio. The changes in ADP/ATP ratios have been used to conveniently differentiate apoptosis from necrosis.

The assay utilizes bioluminescent detection of ADP and ATP levels for rapid screening of apoptosis (TUNEL-based techniques and caspase assays), necrosis, growth arrest and cell proliferation simultaneously in mammalian cells

This highly sensitive assay (detects 100 mammalian cells/well) can be fully automated for high throughput measurements.

The assay utilizes the enzyme luciferase to catalyze the formation of light fom ATP and luciferin. The light can be measured using a luminometer or beta counter. ADP levels are measured by its conversion to ATP that is subsequently detected using the same reaction.