The invention of the laser has led to many advancements in the electronic and medical device industries. In the aesthetic arena, new and improved lasers are entering the market every few months. This rapid development is leaving the classification criterion to continually be redefined. Therefore, the following information is deemed to be a guideline and is not considered to be a definite and thorough description.
Lasers in use by medical practitioners typically have low outputs of energy and power, and are thus placed in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Class 2 category. Another important organization is the LIA (Laser Institute of America). The majority of medical lasers fall into the ANSI Class 3 or 4 categories with most surgical lasers being in ANSI Class 4. Most medical and/or surgical lasers are classified by the FDA (Food and Drug administration) as Class II or Class III medical devices.
Class 1 Lasers
Class 1 lasers are not considered to pose any hazards when operated according to normal conditions and includes lasers which are completely enclosed such as CD players, fiber-optics devices, and printers. These devices cannot have emissions exceeding the maximum permitted exposure (MPE) under any conditions are considered to be class 1 systems.
Still, problems can occur if the laser is outside of the enclosure.
The placement of hazard or warning labels are required for this class inside the unit or underneath cover panels where the person performing the repair can be adequately warned of a potential hazard.
Class 2a
Few lasers qualify for this class of low-power, visible light lasers. Lasers in this class do not pose a threat if the beam of light is directly viewed for periods of time less than 16 minutes or so. Visible light lasers with a total output power less than 1 milliwatt, but greater than a few microwatts.
Class 2 Lasers
This class of lasers includes visible light lasers that are intense enough that viewing the beam into a human eye can cause the normal "aversion response". An aversion response is when the eyelids close, or the head moves in order to avoid the light. It can occur within 0.25 seconds and includes the blink reflex time.
Class 3a
Class of lasers that includes those emitting ultraviolet or infrared light as well as visible light. All devices within the Class 1 AEL (Allowed Exposure Level) with laser output between .18μm and 1mm fall in this class. Common Laser pointers that are readily available are class 3a laser devices.
Class 3b
These include the same spectrum as class 3a, but increase the output levels to that of Class 2 AEL.
Class 4
This class of lasers includes any that exceeds the Class 2 AEL. Most every laser that produces an excess of 0.5 watts is in this class.
Laser clinics that are performing cosmetic laser treatments are now treating medical patients. All of the components of aesthetic medical care play an even more important role when designing post-procedure treatment plan for the patient who just underwent a laser treatment or the Rosacea patient who just underwent an IPL (intense pulse light) treatment. When working in a med spa or laser clinic, you're the 'medical' skin care expert in your recommendations of skin care products and laser treatments to your clients. Of course, you're also a critical support to the med spas who have planned an aggressive therapy treatment for their patients. - 15437
Lasers in use by medical practitioners typically have low outputs of energy and power, and are thus placed in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Class 2 category. Another important organization is the LIA (Laser Institute of America). The majority of medical lasers fall into the ANSI Class 3 or 4 categories with most surgical lasers being in ANSI Class 4. Most medical and/or surgical lasers are classified by the FDA (Food and Drug administration) as Class II or Class III medical devices.
Class 1 Lasers
Class 1 lasers are not considered to pose any hazards when operated according to normal conditions and includes lasers which are completely enclosed such as CD players, fiber-optics devices, and printers. These devices cannot have emissions exceeding the maximum permitted exposure (MPE) under any conditions are considered to be class 1 systems.
Still, problems can occur if the laser is outside of the enclosure.
The placement of hazard or warning labels are required for this class inside the unit or underneath cover panels where the person performing the repair can be adequately warned of a potential hazard.
Class 2a
Few lasers qualify for this class of low-power, visible light lasers. Lasers in this class do not pose a threat if the beam of light is directly viewed for periods of time less than 16 minutes or so. Visible light lasers with a total output power less than 1 milliwatt, but greater than a few microwatts.
Class 2 Lasers
This class of lasers includes visible light lasers that are intense enough that viewing the beam into a human eye can cause the normal "aversion response". An aversion response is when the eyelids close, or the head moves in order to avoid the light. It can occur within 0.25 seconds and includes the blink reflex time.
Class 3a
Class of lasers that includes those emitting ultraviolet or infrared light as well as visible light. All devices within the Class 1 AEL (Allowed Exposure Level) with laser output between .18μm and 1mm fall in this class. Common Laser pointers that are readily available are class 3a laser devices.
Class 3b
These include the same spectrum as class 3a, but increase the output levels to that of Class 2 AEL.
Class 4
This class of lasers includes any that exceeds the Class 2 AEL. Most every laser that produces an excess of 0.5 watts is in this class.
Laser clinics that are performing cosmetic laser treatments are now treating medical patients. All of the components of aesthetic medical care play an even more important role when designing post-procedure treatment plan for the patient who just underwent a laser treatment or the Rosacea patient who just underwent an IPL (intense pulse light) treatment. When working in a med spa or laser clinic, you're the 'medical' skin care expert in your recommendations of skin care products and laser treatments to your clients. Of course, you're also a critical support to the med spas who have planned an aggressive therapy treatment for their patients. - 15437
About the Author:
Download your free preview and read reviews of Medical Spa MDs new ebook on laser treatment for cosmetic dermatologist, plastic surgery, and laser clinics. Medical Spa MD is a cosmetic medical community of Plastic Surgeons, Cosmetic Dermatologists, and Aesthetic Physicians with more than 2,000 members.
