Patent Blue V

What it is and how it works

Patent Blue V sodium is a blue triarylmethane dye that, after subcutaneous or interstitial injection, binds to plasma proteins and is selectively taken up by lymphatic vessels, staining lymphatics and lymph nodes blue for visual identification.

Indications

Visualisation of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, particularly for sentinel lymph node identification in breast cancer and melanoma, and before lymphography.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Dosing is individualised according to the procedure: usually a small volume injected subcutaneously or intradermally near the tumour or into the area drained by the lymphatics to be studied, by the surgeon or radiologist.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to triarylmethane dyes.

Warnings and precautions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria and severe anaphylaxis with hypotension, may occur, sometimes delayed by up to an hour; resuscitation facilities must be available. It causes transient blue-green discolouration of skin and urine and can interfere with pulse oximetry readings, giving falsely low saturation values.

Pregnancy

Use only if clearly needed because data are limited.

Storage and supply

Store below 25 °C, protected from light.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.