Is informed consent needed for fluorescein angiography?

P. P. Lee, J. C. Yang and A. P. Schachat
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston.

Fluorescein angiography is a common diagnostic procedure. Questions have been frequently raised as to whether explicit informed consent is needed for this procedure and what form such consent should take. Review of existing legal concepts indicates that the need for explicit consent varies from state to state, but that the trend is to require an explicit discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives. Documentation of such information can adequately range from a brief, written notation in the patient's chart to a complete, separate form.