Ethidium Bromide

General Information
Ethidium bromide (EtBr), 3,8-diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide


 * dark red crystalline that readily fluoresces reddish-brown when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.


 * EtBr is a potent mutagen and toxic after an acute exposure.


 * It is an irritant to the skin, eyes, mouth, and upper respiratory tract.

http://www.purdue.edu/rem/hmm/ethidbr.htm
 * Direct contact with EtBr should be avoided

Medical Research Uses
Ethidium Bromide is used in conjunction with Cesium Chloride in DNA and RNA extraction wherein the DNA is separated by a centrifuge. It is a non radioactive marker for identifying nucleic acid, a so called DNA and RNA Stain.

Substitutes (for staining)
SYBR safe: SYBR safe website

GelRed andGel Green:Phenix Research Product

GelStar: Cambrex Bio Science Instructions

EZ-Vision:Amresco Inc Saftety Information