Examples for the importance of radiophysical measurements in clinical phototherapy.
BACKGROUND
Optimal UV therapy requires regular surveillance of the variables that influence therapeutic success. In daily practice, phototherapy equipment is often operated with an attitude of "autocontrol." This implies that thorough control measurements of the emission spectra and calibration of UV fluences are not routinely performed. For both quality control and patient safety, it is essential to regularly check whether a UV source is providing the right target spectrum with the correct dose to the skin.


METHODS
We have exemplarily taken three UV sources currently used in clinical practice and performed radiophysical measurements, i. e. determined emission spectra, radiation output and correctness of dose calculation.


RESULTS
All three sources revealed either a largely inhomogeneous distribution pattern of radiation intensity, variation of radiation intensity over time or insufficient filtering of the UV lamp emission spectrum. Furthermore the dose calculation procedures had to be revised because of significant differences between the estimated and the administered UV doses.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiophysical measurement of all UV-equipment in clinical use is a simple and effective way to improve the safety and reliability of phototherapy. Such measurements help to uncover technical flaws in radiation sources and prevent unnecessary side effects and UV exposure risks for the patient.
Schneider
Lars Alexander
LA
University Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology, Ulm, Germany.
Wlaschek
Meinhard
M
Dissemond
Joachim
J
Scharffetter-Kochanek
Karin
K
D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods