Ocular fundus fluorescein angiography (with optional quantitative analysis)
This test uses a special dye and camera to examine blood flow in your retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting blood vessels, such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion.
["A non-invasive imaging test to check how blood circulates in your retina."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79809-0
- Short code
- Study obs Ocular fund-R Angio W fluor IV
- Synonyms
- Study obs Ocular fund-R Angio W fluor IV
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- angiography
- CPT
- 86430
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend fluorescein angiography if you have symptoms like sudden vision changes, persistent eye pain, or signs of retinal issues (e.g., bleeding, swelling, or abnormal growths). It’s also used before surgeries or to track long-term conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
How the Test Works
A fluorescent dye (fluorescein) is injected into a vein in your arm. A special camera takes pictures as the dye travels through your retinal blood vessels. The dye glows under blue light, allowing doctors to see blood flow and identify blockages or leaks.
Sample Collection
No blood or fluid sample is drawn for this test. You’ll lie still with your eyes open while the camera captures images for about 10–15 minutes. A small needle may be used to inject the dye, but it’s quick and painless.
Preparation
No special preparation is needed. Avoid eye makeup or contact lenses on the day of the test. If you’re pregnant, have allergies to dyes, or have a history of kidney problems, let your doctor know beforehand.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing vascular diseases in the retina, such as diabetic retinopathy (where blood vessels leak or grow abnormally), retinal vein occlusion (blocked blood flow), or age-related macular degeneration. It also helps assess retinal artery disease or monitor treatments for conditions like choroidal neovascularization.
Short name
Fluorescein angiography (eye)
Frequently asked questions
What does fluorescein angiography show?
Is the dye harmful?
How long does the test take?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy