8.0 Fluorescein Angiography
The fluorescein angiogram contains stereoscopic views of 2 fields at specified times after injection. These fields include the macula (Field 2) of both eyes and the disc field (Field 1M) of the study eye. In order to obtain stereo pairs that are correctly oriented in the filmstrip for stereoscopic viewing (i.e., do not have reversed stereoscopic effect), the right member of each pair must be taken first, followed by the left member. Stereoscopic red-free photographs are taken of Field 2 in each eye prior to the injection of the fluorescein dye.8.1 Fluorescein Injection
After the red-free photographs of both eyes have been taken, the camera is positioned for Field 2 of the study eye. Fluorescein is injected rapidly (less than 5 seconds if possible) into the anticubital or other convenient vein according to usual clinic procedures.
8.2 Timing
8.2.1 Early Phase
The first photograph of the early phase is taken at time "0"; that is, at the moment injection of the fluorescein dye begins. The second photograph is taken at the moment the injection is complete. These photographs constitute a stereo pair and are referred to as the "control" photographs. They serve to document the integrity of the interference filters. The time shown on the second frame documents the rate of injection.
Ideally, the control photographs are followed by a series of 10 to 16 exposures taken at 1 to 2 second intervals, beginning about 15 seconds after the start of fluorescein injection (sooner if fluorescein appears sooner or delaying the initial exposures until fluorescence begins when a slow circulation time is expected). The usual result is 5 to 8 stereo pairs following the control pair, typically culminating about 40-45 seconds after the start of injection.
8.2.2 Mid-Phase
After the early photographs are completed the photographer takes stereo pairs of Field 2 and then of Field 1M of the study eye at approximately 60 to 90 seconds. At this point the camera is positioned in front of the fellow eye and a stereo pair is taken of Field 2 at approximately 2 minutes. At this point, the camera is repositioned back to the study eye and a stereo pair of Field 2 is taken between 2 and 3 minutes.
8.2.3 Late-Phase
A stereo pair of Field 2 in the study eye is taken at 5 minutes. Two final stereo pairs are taken of Field 2 in both eyes at 10 minutes.
9.0 Mounting, Labeling and Duplication of Fluorescein Angiograms [Figure 3]
Figure 3
The original negatives are cut into strips of six images per strip, and are placed in a 101/2 x 9-inch heavy gauge transparent plastic sheet containing six pockets per sheet.‡ A page identification label (Attachment B (Study Specific)) is attached to each page of negatives. When cutting the film into strips, the photographer should take care not to separate the members of a stereo pair (i.e., not to leave one member of the pair at the end of one strip and the second member of the pair at the beginning of the next strip). Clinical Centers should retain a copy of the angiogram.
Copyright © 2001
Fundus Photograph Reading Center
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
University of Wisconsin - Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity educator and employer
Fundus Photograph Reading Center
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
University of Wisconsin - Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity educator and employer