Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is the average arm-to-retina circulation time after fluorescein is injected?

1. 10 to 15 seconds

2. 6 to 20 seconds

3. 15 to 30 seconds

4. 5 to 10 seconds

The correct answer is: 6 to 20 seconds

The average arm-to-retina circulation time after fluorescein is injected is typically recorded between 6 to 20 seconds. This timeframe provides a benchmark for clinicians when evaluating the efficiency and flow of blood through the retinal vasculature. Fluorescein angiography utilizes an intravenous injection of fluorescein dye to visualize retinal and choroidal blood flow; the time it takes for the dye to reach the retina is crucial for assessing vascular conditions. A range of factors can influence this circulation time, including individual patient variations and physiological conditions, but the established average effectively captures the general expectation in a clinical setting. Understanding this time frame assists ophthalmic technicians and professionals in diagnosing and interpreting angiographic results accurately.