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Investigation of Protein Recruitment to DNA Lesions Using 405 Nm Laser Micro-irradiation
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The dangers of human papillomavirus (HPV) laser plume and best safety practices
Samuel A Stetkevich1, Craig G Burkhart2,3
1Divison of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH, USA.
Abstract:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) remains to be one of the most common viruses that afflicts the skin and mucosa. Direct contact with cutaneous lesions facilitates a majority of viral transmission. However, the development of laser therapy as treatment for HPV brought to attention the concern of infectious laser plume and the risk it poses to those inhaling it. We conducted a literature review using English articles in PubMed to validate this risk and propose the best safety practices dermatologists can apply when using laser therapy as treatment for HPV. Our investigation identified smoke evacuators as primary modes of mitigation, and we suggest further studies will aid in the refinement of best practice recommendations.
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