title: Analysis of low-level laser radiation transmission in occlusive dressings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to analyze the power transmitted by low-level laser therapy (LLLT) into occlusive dressings using different wavelengths for the treatment of cutaneous lesions.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  LLLT has been largely used to treat several cutaneous lesions commonly associated with occlusive dressings to accelerate the healing process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Radiation transmission was measured by a digital power analyzer connected to a laser emitter with wavelengths of 660, 830, and 904 nm and mean levels of 30, 30, 6.5 mW, respectively, previously calculated. Thirteen different occlusive dressings were analyzed and interposed between the laser emitter and the power analyzer sensor, with 15 measurements made for each dressing. Statistics were provided by the analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Student's t-test (p < 0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The power transmitted ranged between 98.6% and 0%, depending on the material and wavelength. The dressings tested were BioFill, Hydrofilm, Confeel Plus 3533, Confeel 3218, DuoDERM Extra Thin, Hydrocoll, Micropore Nexcare, CIEX tape, Emplasto Sábia, CombiDERM, Band-aid, Actisorb Plus, in addition to polyvinylchloride (PVC) film, and transmitted power higher than 40% of the incident power, independently from the wavelength indicated for the association with LLLT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results showed that LLLT transmission depends on the occlusive dressing material and the wavelength irradiated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor System, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University São Paulo, Brazil. rguirro@fmrp.usp.br
authors.forename: Rinaldo Roberto
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: de Jesus Guirro
authors.forename: Elaine Caldeira
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: de Oliveira Guirro
authors.forename: Carla Campos
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.forename: Fabiana Roberta
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Nunes
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects