Wasted space transformed
A cozy corner of a small hallway is being used as a BLU-U treatment area in this practice. A shower curtain is used to enclose the area during treatment and provide privacy. (Photo courtesy of Dermatology Specialists of Kansas City)
Empty corner converted
Convinced that Levulan PDT would be a great addition to their practice, this empty corner of an office was converted to a BLU-U treatment area. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Kent Taulbee)
Double up on underutilized space
This BLU-U unit is stored in a conference/meeting room when not being used. (Photo courtesy of Albemarle Dermatology Associates)
When you want to expand upon the services you offer to your patients but you feel that space is tight, there are clever and unique ways to find the space you need. You may wonder where that extra space is hiding in your office…
It could be in:
- A closet
- A hallway nook
- An unneeded filing cabinet
Tips for maximizing your space
1. Get rid of clutter
- Take a look at your office and decide what is absolutely necessary for the management of your patients and the day-to-day function of the office.
- Get rid of what you don't need.
2. Use a scanning/document management system
- Converting to an electronic filing system will reduce the space needed to store paper batches of business and patient records.
- Areas that stored reams of paper can also be cleared for other purposes.
3. Take advantage of wasted space
- Examine your "sample closets" to see if they can be organized more efficiently.
- Look for wasted space and think vertically instead of horizontally.
- There are all sorts of stacking trays and caddies that are designed to fit into a variety of spaces and they will help you maximize storage and potentially free up another closet for a treatment area.
4. Examine the functional use of space in your office
- Here are some questions you can ask to determine whether there is an area in your office that has the potential for greater use.
- Do any of the rooms have "down time"?
- Are there any areas or rooms that are not used frequently throughout the day?
- Can the function of the infrequently used space be conveniently transferred to another area?
The BLU-U should be operated in a location that meets all local, state and federal medical practice guidelines.
Indication
Levulan® Kerastick® (aminolevulinic acid HCl) for Topical Solution, 20% plus blue light illumination using the BLU-U® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator is indicated for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses of the face or scalp.
Important Risk Information
Application of Levulan® Kerastick® should involve either scalp or face lesions, but not both simultaneously. Levulan® Kerastick® should not be applied to the periorbital area or allowed to contact ocular or mucosal surfaces. Excessive irritation may be experienced if this product is applied under occlusion.
Contraindicated in patients with cutaneous photosensitivity at wavelengths of 400-450 nm, porphyria, or known allergies to porphyrins, and in patients with known sensitivity to any of the components of the Levulan Kerastick for Topical Solution.
Levulan® Kerastick® has not been tested on patients with inherited or acquired coagulation defects. It is possible that concomitant use of other known photosensitizing agents might increase the photosensitivity reaction of actinic keratoses treated with the Levulan® Kerastick®.
Patients should avoid exposure of the photosensitive treatment sites to sunlight or prolonged or intense light for at least 40 hours after application of the Levulan Kerastick Topical Solution. Exposure may result in a stinging and/or burning sensation and may cause erythema or edema of the lesions. Patients should protect treated lesions from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or similar head covering of light-opaque material. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light.
Most common adverse events including stinging and/or burning, itching, erythema, and edema were observed in all clinical studies. Severe stinging and/or burning at one or more lesions being treated was reported by at least 50% of patients at some time during treatment. However, less than 3% of patients discontinued light treatment due to stinging and/or burning.
During light treatment, both patients and medical personnel should be provided with blue blocking protective eyewear, as specified in the BLU-U operating instructions to minimize ocular exposure.
For additional important safety information, please see full prescribing information.
