New methylene blue explained

is an organic compound of the thiazine class of heterocycles. It is used as a stain and as an antimicrobial agent. It is classified as an azine dye, and the chromophore is a cation, the anion is often unspecified.[1]

Applications

NMB is a staining agent used in diagnostic cytopathology and histopathology, typically for staining immature red blood cells. It is a supravital stain.[2] It is closely related to methylene blue, an older stain in wide use.

Safety

New methylene blue is toxic. Skin contact or inhalation should be avoided.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Vennerstrom, Jonathan L.; Makler, Michael T.; Angerhofer, Cidy K.; Williams, Jean A. "Antimalarial dyes revisited: xanthenes, azines, oxazines, and thiazine" Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (1995), 39(12), 2671–7. .
  2. Web site: Reticulocyte Count. Prentice-Hall.