title: A survey of the ultraviolet radiation emissions of photochemotherapy units.
abstract: Measurements have been made of the spectral emission and irradiance from whole body ultraviolet irradiation units used in the treatment of psoriasis by photochemotherapy (PUVA). A total of ten units were studied, located at nine different treatment centres in England. The results showed that within the limits of experimental accuracy there was no significant difference in the profile of all spectra measured, although the measured value of irradiance compared with each centre's own UV-A meter showed wide discrepancies. There is poor documentation provided by manufacturers of UV-A meters on the meaning of the scale reading in mWcm-2, and it would seem expedient that some agreed calibration procedure for these instruments is forthcoming.
mesh_terms: D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays