rose bengal


rose ben·gal

(rōz' ben'găl), [C.I. 45440] The sodium salt of tetraiodotetra-chlorfluorescein, used as a stain for bacteria, as a stain in the diagnosis of keratitis sicca, and formerly in liver function tests.

rose ben·gal

(rōz' beng'găl) [C.I. 45440] A fluorescein derivative used as a biologic stain.

rose bengal

A biological stain that can be applied to the cornea as eye drops to reveal subtle damage to the outer layer (epithelium). A brand name is Minims Rose Bengal.

rosebengal 

An iodine derivative of fluorescein having vital staining properties but unlike fluorescein it is a true histological stain, which binds strongly and selectively to cellular components. The colour of this stain is red. It has the disadvantage of causing some pain in a good percentage of eyes. It stains dead or degenerated epithelial cells but not normal cells and is used to help in the diagnosis of corneal abrasion, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, lagophthalmos, etc. See fluorescein; lissamine green.