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Enfermería: Cuidados Humanizados

Print version ISSN 1688-8375On-line version ISSN 2393-6606

Abstract

BENITEZ, Ernesto  and  FERREIRO, María del Carmen. Calibration and Maintenance of Low Power Laser Devices: Descriptive Study. Enfermería (Montevideo) [online]. 2022, vol.11, n.2, e2855.  Epub Dec 01, 2022. ISSN 1688-8375.  https://doi.org/10.22235/ech.v11i2.2855.

Introduction:

The low-power laser is a technique used in several areas of health: physiotherapy, dentistry, otorhinolaryngology and dermatology, among others. To achieve therapeutic effects, the dosage is essential and depends on the energy levels emitted by the device.

Objective:

To know the status of calibration and maintenance of low power laser therapy devices, in physiotherapy services or counterparts of institutions in Montevideo - Uruguay.

Method:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in physiotherapy services in Montevideo, Uruguay. 20 low-power laser devices were analyzed.

Results:

7 of the devices evaluated remained within the appropriate emission limits. Of the 13 lasers outside the limits to deliver adequate emission, 6 had a slight mismatch, 1 had a moderate mismatch, and 6 presented a severe mismatch. Among the total devices evaluated, only 6 had performed a previous calibration and only 2 of these were within the recommended times frames.

Conclusion:

A large number of low-power laser devices with imbalances in their emission was observed. In most cases, low-power laser devices are not properly maintained. Equipment should be timely calibrated in order to offer safe and effective therapy to users.

Keywords : low-level light therapy; calibration; biomedical technology assessment.

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