Pharmacologic Substance
formaldehyde
form·al·de·hyde [ fawr-mal-duh-hahyd, fer- ]
Brand Names:
Formadon; Forma-Ray; Lazerformalyde
Effect:
Cell-mediated Immunity; Increased Histamine Release
May Treat:
Hypersensitivity;
Warts
More Information:
Definitions related to formaldehyde:
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A chemical used in manufacturing and chemical industries, and as a preservative by anatomists, embalmers, and pathologists. Being exposed to formaldehyde may increase the risk of developing leukemia and brain cancer.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A colorless poisonous gas synthesized by the oxidation of methanol and used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, histologic fixative, and general-purpose chemical reagent for laboratory applications. Formaldehyde is readily soluble in water and is commonly distributed as a 37% solution in water; formalin, a 10% solution of formaldehyde in water, is used as a disinfectant and to preserve biological specimens. Environmentally, formaldehyde may be found in the atmosphere, smoke from fires, automobile exhaust and cigarette smoke. Small amounts are produced during normal metabolic processes in most organisms, including humans.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A general purpose reagent is a chemical reagent that has general laboratory application, that is used to collect, prepare, and examine specimens from the human body for diagnostic histopathology, cytology, and hematology, and that is not labeled or otherwise intended for a specific diagnostic application. General purpose reagents include cytological preservatives, decalcifying reagents, fixatives and adhesives, tissue processing reagents, isotonic solutions, and pH buffers.Standard Product NomenclatureU.S Food & Drug Administration, 2003
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A highly reactive aldehyde gas formed by oxidation or incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. In solution, it has a wide range of uses: in the manufacture of resins and textiles, as a disinfectant, and as a laboratory fixative or preservative. Formaldehyde solution (formalin) is considered a hazardous compound, and its vapor toxic. (From Reynolds, Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p717)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Highly reactive aldehyde gas formed by oxidation or incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons; in solution, it has a wide range of uses, including the manufacture of resins and textiles, as a disinfectant, and as a laboratory fixative or preservative; formaldehyde solution (formalin) is considered a hazardous compound, and its vapor toxic.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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