Presence of blood significantly decreases transmission of 630 nm laser light

Application of 630 nm light in the presence of blood is often necessary during photodynamic therapy, particularly for proposed intravascular applications. The effect of blood on transmission of 630 nm light was studied using a three dimensional irradiation model and an integrating sphere for measuring light transmitted in any direction through blood layers of different hematocrit (25 to 75) and thickness (.15 to .98 mm). There was an inverse relationship between transmission and hematocrit and transmission and blood thickness, p=.000 for both. At a physiologic hematocrit of 46, transmission through blood layers of .98, .41, .28, and .15 mm were 21%, 33%, 29%, and 58% respectively. These blood thicknesses or more are likely in the clinical environment, and can be expected to result in significant transmission losses. The marked absorption of 630 nm light by blood indicates that removal of the blood or correction for power loss should be employed when 630 nm light is applied in a blood containing environment.