Prior to analysis the sample is mixed with a reagent, which effectively disrupts the cell membrane and dissolves any cell aggregates.
A suitable volume of the sample is mixed with a volume of a lysis buffer, which effectively dissolves cell aggregates and mixed for a few seconds. Due to the lysing of the cell membrane the cell nuclei is susceptible to staining with nuclei staining dye.
When the purpose of the measurement is to measure the number of non-viable cells this step is omitted.