Results of EUREKA project STILMED: transfer to standards

摘要

Abstract: The final results of the German part of the joint project STILMED 'Safety Technology in Laser Medicine' are available and being prepared for publication. The question is raised, if parts of these results may be subject to international standards. An overview is given for the structure and procedure of national, European and international standardization. Existing standards are considered concerning their relationship to STILMED, which dealt with the chemical, particulate and microbiological composition and possible hazards of laser plume, as well as protection means, like plume evacuators, including the development of nozzles and instruments with integrated evacuation channels, and face masks. Results of basic research and experiences with medical treatment modalities are not matter for standardization. On the other hand, plume evacuators and their technical data should be submitted to standards, which define test procedures for their performance and safety. Also, surgical face masks, for which no international standards exists, could be well suited for standardization, although the multitude of application conditions would make it an excessive task. At least, products that claim 'for laser use' or 'laserproof' or similar should fulfill standardized requirements, and the respective wording needs protection by standard definition. !0