How do I know which laser I should buy?

1. "Laser instruments" have been sold which do not even contain a laser, but LEDs and sometimes even ordinary light bulbs. These instruments have been sold for between US $3,000 - $10,000. Ask for proof that the instrument really does contain a laser.
2. In a number of products, laser diodes have been combined with LED's. This is often not mentioned. Check that all light sources in the apparatus (except guide lights and warning lights) are real lasers.
3. For oral work and wound healing HeNe and GaAIAs are the most common types and GaAIAs as the most versatile. Sterilizable probes are normally only available for GaAIAs lasers. For injuries to joints, vertebrae, the back, and muscles, that is, for the treatment of more deep-lying problems, the GAAs laser is the best documented. For veterinary work, laser designed so that the light can pass through the coat, and penetrate to the desired depth is best. For superficial tendon and muscle attachments, the required depth can be reached with the GaAIAs laser. Many companies have only one type of laser, such as a GaAIAs, and the salesman will naturally tell you that it is the best model for everything, and that it is irrelevant which type of laser is used. However, research tells quite a different story.
4. Size, colour, shape, appearance and price vary a great deal from manufacturer to manufacturer. Because a piece of equipment is large, it does not necessarily follow that its medical efficacy is high, or vice versa. The most important factor is the dosage that enters the tissue. Make sure the laser you buy is designed so that the light actually enters the tissue. Ask the salesman: How is the dosage measured? What kind of dosage is too high, and what is too low?
5. Many companies which import lasers have deficient knowledge in terms of medicine, laser physics, and technology. In fact, there are many examples of companies that have gone bankrupt. If a piece of equipment is faulty, it may have to be sent to the country of manufacture for repair. How long would you be without your equipment in such a case, and what would it cost to repair? Can the importer document his expertise? Who can you speak to who has used the apparatus in question for a long period of time? Is there a well-known professional who uses this make? What does it cost to change the laser diode or laser tube, for example, after the guarantee has expired? Can you get written confirmation of this? Try to get a list of references.
6. The difference between a colourful brochure and reality is often considerable. There are examples of brochures which describe the output ten times that which the equipment actually provides. How can you find out the real performance of the equipment (e.g. its output)? Are the measurement results from an independent authority? Is it possible to borrow an apparatus in order to measure its performance? Is there an intensity meter on the apparatus which can measure what is emitted and show it in figures? It is not enough simply to have a light indicator.
7. Some dealers know that their products are sub-standard. This can often be seen by the fact that they are anxious to get the customer to sign a contract. If a product is good, the dealer will have no doubts about selling it on sale-or-return basis, with written confirmation of this. What happens if the medical effects are not as promised? Is it possible to get a written guarantee of sale-or-return? In most countries, therapy lasers must be approved. The approval certificate shows the laser type and the class to which the instrument belongs, e.g. laser class 3B. There is also a certificate number. A laser which is not approved is either not a laser, or is being sold illegally.
8. Many companies organize courses and "training" events of markedly varying quality. A serious importer or manufacturer takes pains to ensure that his equipment is used in a qualified way, and makes sure that the customer receives some training in its use. What are the instructor's background and qualifications? Has he or she published anything? Is there a course description? What does the training material cost? Is a training course included in the cost of the equipment? Is the training material included? Is it possible to buy the training material only?
9. Development is going on at a fast pace. Suddenly, you have out-of-date laser equipment and a new and perhaps more efficient type of laser comes onto the market. What happens if your laser becomes outmoded? Do you have to buy a new laser, or can your equipment be updated with future components lasers?

For further information call 1-866-843-5273 or visit www.theralase.com