Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Is Ultraviolet Energy Carcinogenic?

The answer to that question depends upon one not making a broad generalization. One must first describe what type ultraviolet is being referred to. Basically the UV spectrum is divided into 3 types, A ( 350 nm ) - B ( 300 nm) - C ( 250 nm) rays.

The first two types, A + B, have been proven to be carcinogenic in that with extended exposure the cumulative effect can be to create a carcinogenic response. On UV-C, the null hypothesis was established when the researchers tried to create a carcinogenic response. UV-C is not a carcinogenic agent.

A sure give away when one looks at acquiring UV equipment for wound care is to look at the treatment protocol. If the unit promoted has descriptions of treatment such as extending the treatment time each day or application that is generally a give away that the unit is not a lamp emitting C range but either A or B range. This type unit is not FDA approved, nor warranted for use as a wound lamp. The reason for the increasing treatment times is the body is responding to the longer UV wave lengths and trying to protect itself from the cancer producing rays.

The shorter 254 rays lack the ability to penetrate and are not the harmful rays one associates with the term "ultraviolet".

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

V-254 UV Wound Lamp & VRE/MRSA Systemic Infections

One generally unknown about the use of the V-254 Ultraviolet Wound Lamp from MedFaxx, Inc. is how can one rid the body of MRSA/VRE when there is a systemic infection, rather than a localized infection.

Fortunately due to the colonization characteristics of bacteria what is going on with a systemic infection is the bacteria is colonized in the visible wound area to some bacterial count ( culture to find out ). The V-254 Ultraviolet rays then destroy the bacteria that is present on the wound surface, ( Correct procedure would be to then apply pressure after the initial treatment and express the bacteria below the wound bed surface onto the surface for the second 60 second treatment).

We do not have any reliable studies on how soon the bacteria then recolonizes in the wound bed but it appears this may be a 3-4 hour process, however historical frequency of treatment has been to treat approximately 3x weekly. Procedure is not based upon scientific study but probably upon clinical work loads.

As the wound bed is exposed to the V-254 the bacteria colonizes into the treatment area and each treatment is reducing the body's bacterial load. The overall goal is reduction of the total bacterial count until the immune system can then take over and restore healthy wound repair and modeling.

It's similar to having to drain a 16 ounce bottle but your drainage cup has only a 1 ounce capacity. You have to do the process 16 times before the bottle is completely drained but by repeated draining you accomplish the task at hand.

We know that infections are a retardant to successful wound repair.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Patent on V-254 UV For Wound Care

Click here for review of patent held by Robert G. Johnson for MedFaxx use of ultraviolet, V-254 Wound Lamp. Mr. Johnson can be reached at 800-937-3993.

The patent information may be of use in discussing how to use the lamp or the mechanisms of using ultraviolet for eradication of systemic infections, especially MRSA or VRE.