Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which phase is NOT part of the traditional five phases in an angiogram?

1. Capillary phase

2. Pre-arterial phase

3. Venous phase

4. Late phase

The correct answer is: Pre-arterial phase

The traditional five phases of an angiogram typically include the pre-arterial phase, arterial phase, capillary phase, venous phase, and late phase. The phases represent the progression of contrast medium through the vascular system, illustrating how blood flows from arteries to capillaries and into veins, allowing for the visualization of blood vessels in various stages. The pre-arterial phase is not recognized as one of the standard phases of an angiogram. Instead, the beginning of an angiogram is marked by the introduction of the contrast agent directly into the arterial system, which is considered the arterial phase. The capillary phase follows as the contrast agent fills the capillary beds, marking the transition into venous circulation. The venous phase then shows the presence of contrast in the veins, and the late phase illustrates how long the contrast remains in the venous system after injection. Understanding these phases is crucial for interpreting angiographic images accurately and for diagnosing various vascular conditions effectively.