How long does indocyanine green (ICG) stay in tissues after being injected?

After being injected, indocyanine green (ICG) stays in the tissues for up to 20 to 30 minutes. This longer duration is because ICG binds tightly to plasma proteins, which confines it to the vascular system.

ICG stays longer in tissues with higher blood flow, such as the blood vessels of the retina and the choroid. This makes the dye particular useful for eye examinations.