Ready-to-use fluorometric substrate for caspase-1/ICE and related caspases that recognize the amino acid sequence YVAD. Caspase-1 and related caspase activity can be quantified by fluorescent detection of free AFC after cleaved from the peptide substrate YVAD-AFC at Ex. = 400 nm and Em. = 505 nm, using a fluorometer or multi-well fluorescence plate reader. Alternatively, a shift in fluorescence from blue to green upon cleavage can be visualized, using a hand-held long-UV lamp. The ready-to-use caspase substrate provides an economic alternative for researchers who perform large volume caspase assays. Cell Lysis Buffer (Cat. #1067-100, -400) and 2X Reaction Buffer (Cat. #1068-20, -80), and DTT used for caspase assays are also available separately.