The BrdU method is used to identify and locate newly formed cells.
BrdU is an artificial nucleotide that is built into the genome (DNA) instead of the nucleotide thymidine when a cell division is being prepared. Cells containing BrdU can then be localised under a microscope after appropriate treatment (immunohistochemical preparation technique).
The BrdU method replaces the previously used, complicated and time-consuming, autoradiographic H 3-thymidine method.