Variations in laser energy outputs over a series of simulated treatments

Abstract

The output energies from a range of cutaneous laser systems have been shown to vary considerably between a representative test patch and a full treatment, and over the course of an entire simulated clinic list.

Variability of pulsed energy outputs from three dermatology lasers during multiple simulated treatments

“…This paper describes work undertaken to investigate the repeatability of laser energy outputs using realistic treatment parameters at a different centre with a smaller sample of different lasers and therefore provide further evidence to support or contradict the findings reported by Lister et al. Laser energy output, pulse width, spot size and the number of pulses for the experiments are based on those recorded in local treatment log books and therefore differ from those previously reported …”

“…For dermatology laser treatments to be successful there needs to be good consistency of output between episodes even if the treatments are undertaken by a different but similar device. The work described by Lister et al demonstrated that there was not even good repeatability of pulse output even within a single treatment session and there was a poor agreement of pulse output when compared to simulated test patch treatments. Although the lasers tested by Lister et al were different to those used by the local department there were concerns that this may be a common issue affecting all dermatology lasers?…”

“…The work described by Lister et al demonstrated that there was not even good repeatability of pulse output even within a single treatment session and there was a poor agreement of pulse output when compared to simulated test patch treatments. Although the lasers tested by Lister et al were different to those used by the local department there were concerns that this may be a common issue affecting all dermatology lasers? As such a set of experiments were devised to investigate if this was a problem based on current protocols with of the most heavily used devices.…”

“…Lister and M.P. Brewin investigated the variability in pulse‐to‐pulse output energy from 7 different types of dermatology laser systems. The results for the majority of laser tested showed 20% variability when measured as part of single simulated treatment session.…”

“…This is outside the specification recommended by the International Electrical Commission (IEC) . All the lasers tested by Lister et al were maintained as part of an external contract and had been serviced within the last 6 months as recommended by the Medicines Health Regulatory Agency . The authors also concluded that there was a considerable variation between a representative test patch of 10 pulses and a full simulated treatment.…”