text: PBS has many uses because it is isotonic and non-toxic to most cells. These uses include substance dilution and cell container rinsing. PBS with EDTA is also used to disengage attached and clumped cells. Divalent metals such as zinc, however, cannot be added as this will result in precipitation.  For these types of applications, Good's buffers are recommended. PBS has been shown to be an acceptable alternative to viral transport medium regarding transport and storage of RNA viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.