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New medical laser safety training course launched

July 19, 2010

Orlando, FL—Laser Institute of America (LIA) has added a "Fast Track" CO2 Medical Laser Safety Course to its Web-based education programs ...

Stephen G. Anderson

Orlando, FL—Laser Institute of America (LIA) has added a "Fast Track" carbon dioxide (CO₂) Medical Laser Safety Course to its selection of Web-based education programs. Developed specifically for nurses in the operating room, surgical technicians, and circulating nurses, the LIA says this program will provide the foundation needed to practice optimal laser safety when working specifically with CO₂ lasers.

The goal of the program is to provide a solid foundation in the safe use of lasers specifically in clinical and surgical applications, according to the LIA. Students will have the opportunity to study laser biophysics and tissue interactions specifically for the CO₂ laser, review laser safety standards from ANSI Z136.3 Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities and the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses, review recommended practices for CO₂ laser applications, and more.

“We designed the course to be both comprehensive and convenient. The Web-based format in combination with the shorter duration of the course makes it more accessible for busy medical professionals,” stated Gus Anibarro, LIA’s Education Director. “With a growing number of medical professionals using the CO₂ laser in more surgical procedures, the demand for this specialized training continues to increase.”

“While this basic-level program is designed for medical staff without any prior laser safety training, we encourage advanced medical laser safety officers to take this course because it provides a comprehensive overview specific to the CO₂ laser,” Mr. Anibarro added.

The carbon dioxide laser (CO₂) was one of the first gas lasers invented and is still one of the most widely used high-power continuous wave lasers. It is also one of the most popular lasers for medical applications in operating rooms, ambulatory surgical centers and private practices.

The CO₂ Medical Laser Safety Course is available online and takes two hours to complete. Successful completion of the course will provide two contact hours.

[Contact hours are provided by the Laser Institute of America, provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 14801]

For more information or to enroll, visit www.laserinstitute.org.

About the Author

Stephen G. Anderson | Director, Industry Development - SPIE

Stephen Anderson is a photonics industry expert with an international background and has been actively involved with lasers and photonics for more than 30 years. As Director, Industry Development at SPIE – The international society for optics and photonics – he is responsible for tracking the photonics industry markets and technology to help define long-term strategy, while also facilitating development of SPIE’s industry activities. Before joining SPIE, Anderson was Associate Publisher and Editor in Chief of Laser Focus World and chaired the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar. Anderson also co-founded the BioOptics World brand. Anderson holds a chemistry degree from the University of York and an Executive MBA from Golden Gate University.