Effect of methylene blue on the absorbance of solutions of haemoglobin
Gorman, E.S.; Shnider, M.R.
British Journal of Anaesthesia 60(4): 439-444
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0007-0912 PMID: 3355740 Document Number: 312508
The effect of the i.v. administration of methylene blue dye on haemoglobin oxygen saturation, measured by a pulse oximeter was investigated. The absorption spectra of various concentrations of haemoglobin, oxyhaemoglobin and methylene blue were compared. The amount of 660-nm light absorbed by methylene blue was sufficient to cause a factitious haemoglobin desaturation as measured by the pulse oximeter.