Difference between PBS and PBS-EDTA - (Jul/13/2006 )

I would like to know why in certain protocols such as during cell fixation for immunofluorescence we use PBS to give wash to the cells instead of PBS-EDTA. Will the use of PBS-EDTA make a difference in the results?

I have always used PBS (without EDTA) for immunocytochemistry. I use the same for washing cells in culture and also before making any protein extracts.

Once I was told by a FACS technician to use resuspend my cells in PBS+EDTA to get better cell sorting.

I think it's to avoid activation of the cells, and antibody internalization.