Final answer:
Before using the laser, the Surgical Technologist should perform testing of the laser's power output to ensure it is operating correctly and with the appropriate energy level for the intended medical procedure. This testing ensures patient safety and the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before using the laser, the Surgical Technologist (ST) should check the laser with the method of testing the power output. This check is crucial to ensure that the laser is functioning correctly and is delivering the right amount of energy required for the procedure. Calibration may also be a part of this process, depending on the protocol of the facility and the type of laser being used. Laser devices are sophisticated pieces of equipment that need to emit a specific wavelength and power of light to achieve their intended medical effect safely and effectively. They function by creating a population inversion and using mirrors to achieve stimulated emission.
One of the mirrors is semi-transparent, allowing some of the light to escape which is what we see as the laser output. Ensuring that the laser's power output is correctly set prevents potential harm to patients and guarantees proper functioning of the equipment. Laser output is usually only 1% of the light that is cycled between the mirrors within the laser, which emphasizes the necessity of precise power output calibration to perform effectively in medical procedures, such as repairing a retinal tear where rays of light need to be parallel upon entering the eye.