Use of Fluorescent Materials for the Indirect Detection of Antibiotics in Milk

Abstract

The addition of a combination of fat-soluble fluorescein (Fluoral) and uranine, as a “marker,” to penicillin preparations intended for intramammary infusion, was found to provide a rapid and satisfactory means for detecting the antibiotic in milk. The marker was detected visually in the milk for 48 hr. after treatment and with ultraviolet light for 96 hr. The marker was nontoxic to the treated animals and did not affect milk production. Statistical analysis of the data showed a close correlation between the excretion of marker and penicillin from the treated udders. © 1958, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.