FAQs: BLU-U® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator
What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
The use of light-activated drugs to treat diseased tissues. The drug undergoes a chemical reaction when light of a particular wavelength and intensity is applied, resulting in a therapeutic effect.
Is the BLU-U® a laser? If not, how is it different from a laser?
The BLU-U is not a laser. Lasers deliver light as coherent beams, while the BLU-U delivers incoherent light scattered over a larger area.
How long is a BLU-U light therapy session?
The doctor will prescribe the most appropriate time frame for your acne.
Who performs the BLU-U light therapy procedure?
A Physician or registered clinician is required to perform the procedure.
Are there any special operating conditions for the BLU-U?
Yes, the room containing the BLU-U must be maintained between 68° and 86°F (20°- 30°C).
See the BLU-U Operating Manual for more specific details.
Is it recommended that the patient have appropriate eye protection?
Yes. Although exposure to the light from the BLU-U during a patient treatment is below the recommended maximum skin and eye exposure for blue and UV light, it is recommended that both the patient and clinician(s) wear blue-blocking eye protection while the BLU-U is in operation for comfort and to further minimize eye exposure.
Can a Physician or Patient reuse the appropriate eye protection?
The eye protection is not suitable for sterilization. Refer to your institutional policies for guidance concerning re-use or disposal.
What indicates the BLU-U is ready to be used?
The system is ready for use when the Keyswitch is turned to the "l" (on) position and the System Status Indicator flashes three times and goes off.
See the BLU-U Operating Manual for more specific details.
Does the patient need to be watched for the entire session?
We recommend that the patient and the BLU-U indicator light be monitored throughout the treatment.
What expectations should be set for the patients prior to BLU-U light therapy?
Patients should be made aware of mild stinging and burning that will occur during the treatment. Following treatment, the AKs and, to some degree, the surrounding skin, will redden. Swelling and hypo/hyper-pigmentation may also occur. Other side effects at the treatment site may include scaling, itching, crusting and changes in skin color. It is important to note, although there will be some stinging, most patients tolerate the procedure well. These changes should reach a maximum the day after BLU-U treatment, should improve markedly by the end of the first week, and should be completely resolved by 4 weeks after treatment.
What are the steps in preparing the patient for the BLU-U light therapy?
The patient is given blue light-blocking appropriate eye protection to wear and is positioned in the BLU-U. Make sure that the patient's eye protection and/or hair do not cover or shadow the area to be treated.
For complete instructions, see the BLU-U Operating Manual.
Is it possible to stop the therapy midway through a session?
Yes, if a patient needs to remove himself from the unit, or asks for it to be turned off, he can do so at any time. Once the light treatment is stopped, it is not to be resumed during the session.
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