Why is it essential to maintain equipment calibration in laser practices?

Maintaining equipment calibration is crucial in laser practices primarily to ensure accurate energy delivery. Laser treatments rely on precise energy settings to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Accurate calibration means that the laser will emit the correct amount of energy at the specified wavelength, which is essential for the effectiveness of the treatment.

If the calibration is off, it could lead to under-treatment, where insufficient energy fails to achieve the desired outcome, or over-treatment, which can result in adverse effects or injury to the patient. Thus, regular calibration checks confirm that the laser is functioning within its intended parameters, allowing practitioners to deliver safe and effective treatments consistently.