BSS

Medical abbreviation · Drug

BSS
Stands forBalanced salt solution
CategoriesMedical

BSS stands for Balanced salt solution, a drug abbreviation.

Sterile irrigating solution with electrolytes matched to eye fluids, used to keep the eye's tissues hydrated during cataract and other eye surgery. BSS PLUS adds bicarbonate, dextrose and glutathione to better protect the corneal endothelium.

Example: Irrigate anterior chamber with BSS; viscoelastic removed at the end of case.

Usage notes

BSS is an irrigating solution and must not be injected intravenously. Its pH and composition are designed to avoid damage to the corneal endothelium, which unlike most tissues cannot regenerate. Shortages of BSS have disrupted cataract surgery schedules in some countries.

More drug abbreviations

  • BAL – British anti-Lewisite (dimercaprol)
  • BDQ – Bedaquiline
  • BIC – Bictegravir
  • bicarb – Sodium bicarbonate
  • BPaL – Bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid
  • BPO – Benzoyl peroxide
  • CAB – Cabotegravir
  • CaCl – Calcium chloride
  • CaCO3 – Calcium carbonate
  • CBD – Cannabidiol
  • CBZ – Carbamazepine
  • CHG – Chlorhexidine gluconate

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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.