Indocyanine Green (ICG) Videoangiography

Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography is a test to find out more about the blood flow of the choroid, the layer of major blood vessels lying under the retina. These vessels supply blood to the outer layers of the retina. We will take pictures. It is not an x-ray. The doctor will look at the pictures on a computer screen as soon as the test is done.

How the Test Is Performed

Indocyanine green, a green colored dye, is injected into a vein in your arm. The dye travels through your body to the blood vessels in the retina and choroid in 10 to 20 seconds. Many pictures are taken as the dye moves through these blood vessels. The result is a set of pictures that show the doctor the blood flow in your eye. The test is about 30 minutes with time of rest between pictures. This test is often combined with fluorescein angiography, which is a similar test but uses a different dye.

Safety Guidelines

If you take metformin (glucophage) you may be asked to stop your medicine for 48 hours after this test. Your doctor will tell you if you need to do this. People who are allergic to iodine and/or shellfish should not receive this dye. Pregnant people or those who are nursing should avoid this dye.

What You Can Expect

There may be slight pain or bruising at the injection site, much like having blood drawn for lab tests.

When to Call

Please call your nurse or doctor if you have any problems either during the injection or in the day or so after the test. Please call if you have any problems or questions.

If you have any problems breathing or a severe allergic reaction, call 911.

Who to Call

University Station Eye Clinic

Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm

(608) 263-7171

When the clinic is closed, your call will be sent to the paging operator. Ask for the “Eye Resident on Call.” Give your name and phone number with area code. The doctor will call you back.

The toll-free number is 1-800-323-8942