Isosulfan blue (Lymphazurin) is a dye used for identifying a sentinel lymph node for biopsy. If difficulties are encountered during the procedure the dye may gain access to the venous circulation.
The dye will turn the serum a light green.
Consequences of systemic circulation of isosulfan blue:
(1) factitious hypoxemia on pulse oximetry
(2) factitious methemoglobinemia on pulse oximetry
The diagnosis of isosulfan blue interference can only be made after excluding other causes.
The dye may occasionally cause anaphylaxis, which may be associated with hypoxemia.
The dye is not reported to cause significant interference with chemical assays.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
