Fluorescein (medical use)

Fluorescein (medical use)

Fluorescein is a synthetic organic compound available as a dark orange/red powder slightly soluble in water and alcohol. It is widely used as a fluorescent tracer for many applications.

Etymology

The term "fluorescein" comes from "fluorescence", a term coined by Sir George Gabriel Stokes in 1852 to describe the glowing light from a substance exposed to ultraviolet light. The "-in" suffix is a common ending for dyes.

Medical Use

Fluorescein is used in the medical field for diagnostic procedures. It is used in fluorescein angiography, a technique for examining the circulation of the retina and choroid of the eye, and much less frequently for color vision testing. It can also be used on the skin to find leaks in the blood vessels.

Pharmacology

When used in a diagnostic eye exam, the fluorescein dye is injected into the bloodstream. The dye travels through the blood vessels of the body. A special camera with filters that highlight the dye is used to take pictures of the blood vessels in the retina. The pictures can show problems with these vessels.

Side Effects

Side effects of fluorescein use can include nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal distress, and skin rashes. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions and even death.

Related Terms

• Fluorescein angiography
• Fluorescein isothiocyanate
• Fluorescein amidite

See Also

• List of medical tests
• List of pharmaceutical companies

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