Evaluating Match Rates Between OASIS Assessments and Medicare Claims Data
April 4, 2026
Brand Name :
IC Green
Synonyms :
indocyanine green
Class :
Diagnostic agents
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Intravenous solution for reconstitution
25 mg
Administer 5 mg intravenously through a cardiac catheter
Approximately 5 dilutions are required for diagnosis by cardiac catheterization then flush the dye with normal saline to avoid hemolysis
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Intravenous solution for reconstitution
25 mg
For Infants: Administer dose of 1.25 mg intravenously through a cardiac catheter
For Children: Administer dose of 2.5 mg intravenously through a cardiac catheter
Approximately 5 dilutions are required for diagnosis by cardiac catheterization then flush the dye with normal saline to avoid hemolysis
Refer to the adult dosing
Actions and Spectrum:
Actions:
ICG is primarily used for its fluorescent properties, which allow it to be detected using near-infrared (NIR) imaging systems. When injected into the bloodstream, ICG rapidly binds to plasma proteins and circulates throughout the body. It is predominantly taken up by the liver, where it is metabolized and excreted into the bile.
ICG is not associated with known allergic reactions or adverse effects in its typical diagnostic doses. Its safety profile has made it a valuable tool in various medical applications.
Spectrum:
In surgery, ICG is used to identify blood flow, lymph nodes, and tumors. Surgeons can use NIR imaging systems to visualize ICG’s fluorescence and assist with guiding procedures, locating blood vessels, and determining the extent of tumors or metastases.
In some cases, ICG can assess tissue perfusion, especially in the liver and intestines. Healthcare professionals can evaluate blood flow and vascular function in real-time by monitoring the fluorescence intensity.
Postmarketing:
Hemodynamic deterioration
Urticaria
Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylaxis
Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
Black Box Warning:
None
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindications:
Cautions:
Pregnancy consideration:
No adequate data are available regarding the usage in pregnant women.
Breastfeeding warnings:
The presence of the drug in breast milk is unknown.
Pregnancy category:
Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.
Pharmacology:
ICG is a water-soluble tricarbocyanine dye with a molecular weight of approximately 775. It has a greenish-blue color in its dry form but appears as a dark green solution when reconstituted with water. ICG exhibits fluorescence in the near-infrared spectrum (approximately 800-900 nm), which makes it detectable using near-infrared imaging systems.
Pharmacodynamics:
ICG exhibits fluorescence in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum when exposed to light at approximately 800-900 nm. This unique property allows ICG to be visualized using near-infrared imaging systems to detect the emitted fluorescence. During medical procedures, ICG is frequently used for real-time imaging and visualization of blood vessels and perfusion. When injected into the bloodstream, ICG rapidly binds to plasma proteins, mainly albumin. Its binding to albumin contributes to its high water solubility and prevents rapid excretion, allowing it to circulate throughout the vascular system.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
ICG is administered intravenously, usually as a bolus injection. ICG rapidly enters the bloodstream upon injection and distributes throughout the circulatory system. The absorption of ICG occurs immediately after injection into the blood vessels.
Distribution
ICG has a high affinity for plasma proteins, mainly albumin. It binds to albumin and other plasma proteins, contributing to its high water solubility and preventing rapid excretion from the body. The binding to plasma proteins enables ICG to circulate throughout the vascular system, including arterial and venous circulation.
Metabolism
ICG is primarily metabolized in the liver. Once in the liver, ICG undergoes hepatic metabolism, where it is conjugated to glucuronic acid, forming indocyanine green glucuronide. This metabolite is then excreted into the bile.
Elimination and Excretion
ICG is primarily excreted through the biliary system into the gastrointestinal tract. After hepatic metabolism and conjugation, the indocyanine green glucuronide is excreted in the bile, which enters the small intestine. A portion of the metabolite from the small intestine is excreted in the feces.
Administration:
ICG is supplied as a dry, greenish-blue powder in vials. Before administration, it must be reconstituted with sterile water for injection to prepare an injectable solution. The reconstitution process should be carried out following the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure accurate dosing and proper handling.
ICG is typically administered as an intravenous bolus injection. The injection is usually given into a vein in the arm or hand. The dose and injection rate depend on the specific medical indication, patient age, weight, and the type of imaging procedure being performed.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: indocyanine green
Why do we use indocyanine green?
ICG is widely used in surgical procedures for real-time intraoperative imaging. ICG’s fluorescence allows surgeons to visualize blood flow and vascular structures in real-time by illuminating the surgical field with near-infrared light. This helps surgeons identify blood vessels, assess tissue perfusion, and guide their approach during surgery, improving surgical outcomes and reducing complications.
ICG is used as a contrast agent to map sentinel lymph nodes in certain cancers, such as breast cancer and melanoma. The sentinel lymph node is the first to which cancer cells are most likely to spread from the primary tumor. Mapping the sentinel lymph node helps surgeons identify and biopsy the node, aiding in cancer staging and treatment planning.