Diagnostic agents are chemical substances used to detect abnormalities in tissues and organs without medicinal effects. They are classified into two groups: 1) agents used for radiographic purposes like iopanoic acid and propyl iodone which absorb X-rays and provide shadows, allowing organs to be visualized. 2) Agents used to test organ function such as sulphobromopthalein sodium for liver function and indigo carmine to localize ureteral openings. Each agent has specific physical and chemical properties and recommended uses, dosages, and storage conditions.

1. DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS
By Shaikh Saniya
M. Pharmacy

2. INTRODUCTION
 Diagnostic agents are chemical or substances used to detect abnormalities in
tissue and organs.
 Do not have medicinal & pharmacological effects
 X-ray film used for radiography

3. Classification
1. Agents used for radiographic purpose /Radiopaque substance
a. Iopanoic acid
b. Propyl iodone
2. Agents used to test organ function
a. Sulphobromopthalein sodium
b. Indigo carmine/ Indigotin disulphonate sodium
c. Evans blue
d. Congo red
e. Fluorescein sodium

4. 1.Agents used for radiographic purpose
 Also known as X-ray contrast.
 X-ray contrast media absorb radiation and
provide shadow on X-ray film.
 Organs like gastrointestinal tract, gall
bladder, kidney etc. can be map out.

5. a. Iopanoic acid
 This is simple butyric acid derivative.
 Iopanoic acid is used for diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, kidney,
bile duct, ureter.

6. Physical properties
 White or cream colored powder
 Tasteless
 Insoluble in water
 Soluble in ethanol, ether, and methanol.
Storage : well closed and light resistant containers.
Dosage form: Iopanoic acid tablets
Brand name: telepaque

7. b. Propyl iodone
 Used for diagnostic agent for bronchial tract.
Physical properties:
 White crystalline powder
 Odorless
 Slightly soluble in water
Storage : well closed and light resistant containers.

8. Dosage form
 Injection
Brand name: Dionosil

9. 2. Agents used to test organ function
a.Sulphobromopthalein sodium
Physical properties:
 White solid powder
 Odorless
 soluble in water
 Insoluble in alcohol
Stability and Storage :
It is hygroscopic hence it is stored in well closed and light resistant containers.

10. Uses
 Use for testing of liver function
 Diagnosis of hepatic disorder.
Dosage form: Sulphobromopthalein injection

11. b. Indigo carmine
 Physical properties
 Purplish blue color powder or blue granules with coppery luster.
 Odorless
 Sparingly soluble
Stability & Storage :
 It is affected by light.
 Hence it is stored in well closed and light resistant containers.

12. Uses
It is used :
1. To localize ureteral orifices during ureteral catheterization and cystoscopy.
2. To test kidney function
3. To identify ureters fistulous commutations
Dosage form : Indigotin disulphonate injection
Brand name: Indigo carmine

13. c. Evans blue
 It is azo dye.
Physical properties:
 Green or bluish color crystal
 Odorless
 Soluble in water
 Insoluble in alcohol.
Stability & Storage :
 It is hygroscopic.
 Hence it is stored in well closed and light resistant containers.

14. Uses
 It is used to diagnostic agent to determine blood volume
Brand name: Evans blue injection

15. d. Congo red
 It is azo dye.
Physical properties:
 reddish brown powder
 Odorless.
 Soluble in water.
 It decomposes on exposure to fumes of mineral acids

16. Stability & Storage :
 It is stored in well closed and light resistant containers.
Uses
 It is used to treat amyloid disease.
Dosage form : Congo red injection

17. e. Fluorescein sodium
Physical properties:
 Orange red colored powder
 Odorless
 Tasteless
 Soluble in water
Stability & Storage :
 It is hygroscopic.
 Hence it is stored in well closed and light resistant containers.

18. Uses
 Used in ophthalmic
 Detection of corneal lesion
 Detection of foreign particle in cornea.