CPE Electricity & Modalities in Electrolysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which electrolysis modality is generally considered the slowest but provides the most thorough chemical destruction of the follicle?
- Flash thermolysis
- Blend method
- Pure galvanic (Correct answer)
- Automatic thermolysis
Correct answer: Pure galvanic
Pure galvanic electrolysis is the slowest modality because it takes time for adequate sodium hydroxide to accumulate, but the chemical action is thorough and effective on all follicle types.
Question 2: The 'flash' technique in thermolysis is characterized by:
- A visible light flash used to locate the follicle opening
- A brief, high-intensity burst of high-frequency current applied for a fraction of a second (Correct answer)
- Rapid alternation between positive and negative polarity
- Simultaneously treating multiple follicles with a flash lamp
Correct answer: A brief, high-intensity burst of high-frequency current applied for a fraction of a second
Flash thermolysis delivers a very brief but intense burst of high-frequency current — often fractions of a second — allowing faster treatment rates compared to manual or automatic timing methods.
Question 3: In galvanic electrolysis, increasing the milliampere (mA) setting primarily causes:
- The current to convert from DC to AC
- A decrease in sodium hydroxide production
- An increase in the rate of sodium hydroxide production (Correct answer)
- No measurable change in tissue destruction
Correct answer: An increase in the rate of sodium hydroxide production
Increasing the mA setting in galvanic electrolysis increases the electrochemical reaction rate, producing sodium hydroxide more rapidly and potentially reducing the treatment time per insertion.
Question 4: Why does the client hold an indirect return electrode during galvanic electrolysis?
- To measure skin resistance before treatment begins
- To complete the electrical circuit so current can flow through the tissue (Correct answer)
- To ground excess static electricity from the client's body
- To provide counter-stimulation that reduces sensation
Correct answer: To complete the electrical circuit so current can flow through the tissue
The client holds the return electrode to complete the closed electrical circuit; without it, direct current cannot flow from the probe through the tissue and back to the machine.
Question 5: In the blend method, heat generated by thermolysis accelerates galvanic action by:
- Converting DC current to high-frequency AC
- Speeding up the electrochemical production of sodium hydroxide (Correct answer)
- Neutralizing the sodium hydroxide before it can cause burns
- Reducing tissue impedance so less galvanic current is needed
Correct answer: Speeding up the electrochemical production of sodium hydroxide
Heat from the thermolysis component accelerates the electrochemical reaction of the galvanic component, increasing the rate of sodium hydroxide production so the blend is faster and more thorough than galvanic alone.
Question 6: The 'manual' timing mode in thermolysis means that:
- The electrologist manually calculates the required milliampere setting
- The electrologist controls current duration using a foot pedal or finger switch (Correct answer)
- The probe is inserted without guidance from the machine
- The client manually signals when treatment should stop
Correct answer: The electrologist controls current duration using a foot pedal or finger switch
In manual thermolysis timing, the electrologist personally controls exactly when the current is applied and stopped by using a foot pedal or finger switch, giving full control over treatment duration.
Question 7: In electrical terms, 'polarity' as applied to galvanic electrolysis refers to:
- The magnetic field orientation inside the epilator transformer
- The frequency and direction of the alternating current waveform
- The positive (anode) and negative (cathode) poles of the direct current circuit (Correct answer)
- The temperature differential between treated and untreated tissue
Correct answer: The positive (anode) and negative (cathode) poles of the direct current circuit
Polarity describes the positive (anode) and negative (cathode) poles of the galvanic DC circuit; the location of the cathode determines where sodium hydroxide is produced.
CPE Electricity & Modalities in Electrolysis 2
Which electrolysis modality is generally considered the slowest but provides the most thorough chemical destruction of the follicle?