A composition for coating a medical device and a coated medical device are provided. The composition includes a polymeric matrix having non-toxic quantum dots or a fluorophore or both. The polymeric matrix contains the quantum dots or fluorophore and binds as a coating to the medical device. Coated medical devices can be readily identified within or outside of a body and in open or laparoscopically surgeries, greatly reducing or eliminating the risk of a retained foreign object.

A composition for coating a medical device and a coated medical device are provided. The composition includes a polymeric matrix having non-toxic quantum dots or a fluorophore or both. The polymeric matrix contains the quantum dots or fluorophore and binds as a coating to the medical device. Coated medical devices can be readily identified within or outside of a body and in open or laparascopical surgeries, greatly reducing or eliminating the risk of a retained foreign object.