Group Activity for Ultraviolet Radiation

BSPT III-2: Group 3

Antonino, Rogenne S.

Mifor, Pauline Grace

Ballano, Juvenysa Maris L.

Patricio, Venice Camille B.

Campang, Gianne Karla G.

Roxas, Nuella Julia F.

Edres, Aminah Ashrifah T.

Suba, Trisa Erhica A.

Gonzales, Jessica Ann G.

Yam, Mary Jane Kenneth T.

Lara, Mary Kristleen Joyce

C.

SKIN TEST PROCEDURE FOR UVR USING AIR-COOLED LAMPS

1. To determine the doses appropriate for the patients skin, it is necessary to initially determine the
following factors:
E1 of the lamp
The patients normal reaction to sunlight
o The patient burns after only a brief exposure to sunlight:
Give E1 as the Highest Test Dose
o The patient has an average response to sunlight (burns on average but then tans):
Give E1 as the Middle Test Dose
o The patient rarely burns or burns only after a long exposure to sunlight, and tans
easily:
Give E1 as the Lowest Test Dose
Whether or not the patient has taken any sensitizing drug
If the patient is taking sensitizing drugs, use a set of test doses LOWER than
would be normal for that patient.
2. In the selection of the remaining test dosages, give intervals of one third of the E1 of the lamp
depending on the patients normal reaction to sunlight. For example:
E1 of the lamp is 36 seconds
o Patient burns after only a brief exposure to sunlight
Test doses would be 12, 24, 36 seconds
o Patient rarely burns or burns only after a long exposure to sunlight, but tans easily
Test doses would be 36, 48, 60 seconds
3. Prepare the equipment and check for their integrity.
Equipment required:

o
o
o

Air-cooled Ultraviolet
Lamp
Sheets for screening
Grey or black paper or
plastic with three shapes cut
out (at least 2cm in size &
1cm apart)

o
o
o
o
o
o

Scissors
Sticking plaster
Tape measure
Cotton Wool
2 pairs of goggles
Stopwatch

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
4. Place the patient in a position of optimum comfort with the part to be tested exposed
o
5. Explain to the patient the procedure and purpose of the skin test.
o Precautions: Instruct the patient to use the goggles in the whole duration of the test and avoid
looking at the lamp in order to protect the eyes from damage. Also, tell the patient not to make
unnecessary movements to avoid risk of overdose and inaccuracy of the test, and if ever he feels
anxious, he may notify you. With no contraindications, proceed as follows:
6. Prepare the skin test area (usually the volar surface of the forearm, others are on the abdomen and
the medial aspect of arm / thigh), and cover all other exposed areas with double layer of sheeting.
Drape the patient and ensure that theyre comfortable.
o
7. Apply the cut grey paper or plastic with three shapes on the test area, and hold them in place with
a sticking plaster and cover the shape holes with a small drape.
o
8. Uncover the lamp and position it towards the floor. Leave it away from the patient until it
stabilizes.
o
9. Position the lamp and measure the distance from the burner accurately, ensuring that the rays will
be perpendicular to the skin test area. Caution: do not touch the burner nor put the lamp directly
over the patient as there is a risk of the lamp falling on the patient.
o
10. Remove the small drape and expose all the three holes for the shortest test dose required then
cover Area or Shape 1. Complete the exposure for the second test dose for the 2 shape hole and
cover Area or Shape 2. Maintaining the cover for the first two holes, continue to irradiate the
remaining Area or Shape 3 until the test dose has been completed. Then cover the entire area.
Use the stopwatch to accurately time the test doses.
o
11.
Instruct the patient, a relative or the nursing staff to inspect the area of the skin test 6 to 8 hours
after exposure and mark on the given diagram
any areas which are
o
o

o
showing pink or red. Make arrangements to see the patient again 24 hours later.
o
12. Document the following:
Date
Time
o

Anatomical position of exposure

The lamp used and its E1
The distance of the lamp from the patient
Time of each exposure
Diagram of the skin test
o
13.Determine the E1 of the patient 24 hours after the skin test by noting the area which appeared
erythematous at 6 to 8 hours and which has just disappeared at 24 hours.