DPBS is commonly used salt solution in cell enumeration as a diluent, for rinsing cells and as a buffer in many chromatographic procedures. DPBS is also used in FACS (Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting) process to wash and re-suspend cells during the dissociation process, as well as for many analytical methods or biochemical treatments.

For applications where Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions interfere with enzyme activity (e.g, Trypsin), DPBS is:
- Without calcium
- Without magnesium