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.

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