CDT Phototherapy & Light-Based Treatments Flashcards
6 cards from real CDT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CDT Phototherapy & Light-Based Treatments flashcards as text
Which phototherapy modality requires the patient to ingest or apply a photosensitizing agent before treatment?
Answer: PUVA
PUVA requires psoralen to be taken orally or applied topically before UVA light exposure to enhance the therapeutic response.
Which skin condition is photodynamic therapy (PDT) most commonly used to treat?
Answer: Actinic keratoses
PDT is most commonly used for actinic keratoses (precancerous sun-damaged lesions) using aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and activating light.
How long before PDT light activation is aminolevulinic acid (ALA) typically applied?
Answer: 1–3 hours
ALA is applied 1–3 hours before light activation to allow adequate uptake and concentration in target abnormal cells.
Which type of light is commonly used to activate ALA during photodynamic therapy?
Answer: Blue or red light
Blue light (410 nm) and red light (630 nm) are used to activate ALA because these wavelengths match the photosensitizer's absorption peaks.
Which classification system is used to determine appropriate starting phototherapy doses based on skin UV sensitivity?
Answer: Fitzpatrick Skin Type
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type scale (I–VI) classifies skin by UV reactivity and guides individualized starting doses for phototherapy.
What is the typical frequency of narrowband UVB phototherapy sessions per week?
Answer: 2–3 times per week on non-consecutive days
Narrowband UVB is administered 2–3 times per week on non-consecutive days to allow skin recovery while maintaining therapeutic effect.