Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Dead cells are dimly fluorescent and appear separate poorly from the live cell population.	ViViD dye was used at the incorrect concentration. Dye not resuspended properly. DMSO is contaminated Free amines competing for dye.	See protocol 2 for details. When initially re-suspending dye in DMSO, mix well using a pipet. Oxidized DMSO can cause a loss in dye solubility. Use only DMSO that is part of the kit (stored at -30C) or minimize exposed to oxygen. Stain cells only in PBS or medium containing a low conc. of free amines.
Poor amine reactive dye compensation control. Dim staining as compared to dead cells stained with amine reactive dye.	Amine reactive dye not stained according to protocol. Unmatched negative beads. Did not use amine reactive dye stained beads. Used an incorrect amine reactive dye.	Compensation beads must be stained according to protocol 2. Incubation time and concentration are critical. Beads used for the stained compensation control (positive) MUST be the same bead source as the negative. Amine coated beads as described in protocol 2 are unique for this control. Use correct amine reactive dye to match the detector configuration.
Poor DUMP compensation control. Amine reactive dye appears not to be subtracted	Did not use amine reactive dye stained beads for compensation control.	When mixing other mAb-conjugates with the amine reactive dye, only the amine reactive compensation control is needed to establish the compensation matrix.