[microbial cells] viability on fixed cells

Hi ya'll,

I have a researcher interested in performing a time course experiment measuring the
viability of E.coli.  He wishes to sample every two hours for three days (or some such
madness) and we were wondering if anyone out there has ever stained bacteria with EMA,
fixed them and then measured them at a later time for viability.  I know this can be done
with mammalian cells but bacteria?  Or, are there other kits that would work?  Also, if
anyone has any other suggestions, we would welcome them.  At this point, he plans to use
the Baclight kit from Invitrogen and stay up for 3 days.  Surely there is a better way?

Thanks for any and all advice,

Julie
Julie Nelson
Laboratory Manager
Flow Cytometry Facility
Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases
University of Georgia