Definition

The sodium salt form of indigotindisulfonate, a synthetic blue dye and food colorant derived from indigo, that can be used as a stain in medical imaging and as a redox and pH indicator. Upon intravenous administration, indigotindisulfonate is filtered rapidly by the kidneys from the blood and colors the urinary tract which enables the urinary tract to be seen during surgery. It can also be used ex vivo to stain certain specimens, differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, and help stage and diagnose certain types of cancers.