Administering Intravenous UV Light Helps Purify Blood

A novel therapy system administers multiple light wavelengths through a peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter to passing blood supply.

The UVLrx 1500 system is a light-emitting diode (LED) device that administers concurrent ultraviolet-A (UVA) and visible light at wavelengths specifically chosen for therapeutic qualities. Red light, for example, has anti-inflammatory and immune system-boosting capabilities, while green is shown to improve red blood cell function; UVA light has a potent antimicrobial effect. Because human skin inhibits light penetration, the system delivers the different wavelengths of light through a standard 20-gauge IV catheter via a proprietary dry light adapter (DLA), which integrates fiber-optic light delivery with a saline drip.


Once an IV site is established, system calibration and setup take a matter of minutes. The patient then sits during a 60-minute treatment, which includes 30 minutes of red and UVA wavelengths, followed by 30 minutes of red and green wavelengths. Indications include reduction of pain, blood pathogens, and inflammation; immune system modulation; improved adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis; and improved wound healing, blood oxygen transport, and circulation. The UVLrx 1500 system is a product of UVLrx Therapeutics (Oldsmar, FL, USA), and has received the European Community CE marking of approval.

“With its unique, multi-wavelength therapy system, UVLrx is executing its mission to provide safe and effective therapeutic solutions for a variety of medical issues,” declared the company in a press statement. “For hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and private practice physicians, the UVLrx Treatment System seamlessly integrates with the standards of care for a variety of indications and conditions.”

UV blood irradiation has been used for over a century to treat bacterial and viral infections, and was awarded a Nobel Prize for treating Lupus. Routinely used in hospitals worldwide, the therapy fell out of prominence in the United States with the advent of antibiotics in the 1950s. The recent expansion of drug-resistant infections has resulted in the return of blood irradiation as an alternative to pharmaceutical therapies.

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