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Support FAQ's

PRODUCT SUPPORT

What tools are required to assemble the VELscope System?

You will require a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

Are the screws different for the Stand Base and the Handpiece brackets?

No.  You will use the same screws and screwdriver for assembly.

Does the Stand Base always have to be attached to the VELscope Light Source Unit (LSU)?

Not always. The VELscope Light Source Unit (LSU) has been designed to be oriented in either of 2 basic positions:

  1. horizontal, on a solid surface, in which case it does not require the Stand Base to be attached
  2. vertical, standing position, in which case the Stand Base must be attached
Can I position the LSU on its side for use?

No.  Never operate the LSU positioned on its sides (neither right nor left) as doing so may cause damage to the lamp and unit.

Can I put the LSU in a drawer or utility cabinet?

Not while in operation.  As with other light sources, the VELscope LSU does generate heat and the unit requires adequate air flow for ventilation and cooling.  Always ensure that the LSU is operated in a well ventilated area.

How do I attach the Stand Base to use the LSU in the vertical position?
  1. Insert the pin that extends from the upper portion of the Stand Base into the matching hole on the underside of the LSU
  2. Rotate the Stand Base until its holes line up with the screw holes on the underside of the LSU
  3. Insert a screw into each of the holes and tighten until secure. Do not over-tighten
How do I attach the Handpiece brackets?
  1. Ensure that the Stand Base has been screwed onto the LSU
  2. Stand the LSU upright on the Stand Base
  3. The larger bracket fits into the top set of holes and the smaller bracket into the lower set of holes.
  4. Insert the molded plastic ‘pin’ that extends from the body of the bracket(s) into its matching hole - the bottom hole of the two hole pairing
  5. Rotate the bracket so the open side is facing to the front of the LSU and the hole in the bracket lines up with the screw hole on the side of the LSU
  6. Insert a screw and tighten until secure
  7. Repeat the steps to attach the lower bracket.
How do I attach the Handpiece brackets if I am using the VELscope System in the horizontal configuration?

When the VELscope is placed horizontally on a counter it does not require the Stand Base. The brackets should be attached in the manner described above (see previous answer) while the LSU is on its back. Ensure that the smaller bracket is located closest to the light guide socket and the larger bracket is located farthest from it. Both brackets should be open to the front of the LSU.

The VELscope LSU does not turn on?
  1. Ensure that the power cable is firmly inserted into the prongs in the receptacle on the right-hand side of the LSU and that the other end is correctly inserted into a functioning power outlet.
  2. Take the end of the fiber-optic light guide (a black cord with the Handpiece attached on one end and 3 silver rings on the other end) and push the end with the silver rings firmly into the light guide socket located on the left-hand side of the LSU.
  3. Ensure the power outlet you are using is working correctly. If so, and the issue remains, please contact LED Customer Support for assistance.
How do I attach the VELscope light guide and power cable?

Please refer to the steps described above.

Can I attach an extension to the power cord to reach a wall outlet?

You should NOT attach an extension to the power cord to reach a wall outlet. Only use the right-angled, grounded power cable supplied with the VELscope System. Only connect the VELscope LSU to a properly grounded wall outlet.

What precautions should I take when handling the fiber-optic light guide?

Do not over-bend, kink, roll over with casters or otherwise crush the fiber-optic light guide. Do not bend the fiber-optic light guide in a radius tighter than 1.5 inches.

My fiber-optic light guide might have been damaged. How do I know if it is working properly?
Test the light output
  1. Ensure that the LSU is ON and properly warmed up (indicated by the SOLID GREEN Lamp Status LED indicator)
  2. Place the patient end of the Handpiece flat against the Radiometer Window of the LSU
  3. Depress the thumb Push Button on the Handpiece to open the shutter in the LSU
  4. If the Radiometer LED indicator turns GREEN (figure 2 on pg 13 of the Operation Manual) the Handpiece light output is adequate. If the Radiometer LED Indicator turns ORANGE, wait for 30 seconds and try the preceding process again. If the Radiometer LED Indicator again turns ORANGE, your system may need servicing (e.g., the lamp assembly may need to be replaced). Please contact LED online Customer Support or call LED Customer Support at 1-888-541-4614 for assistance.
What if the Radiometer LED Indicator does not turn green or orange?
  1. Ensure the Radiometer Window is clean and unobstructed, ensure that the VELcap is clean and ensure that the patient-side window of the VELscope Handpiece is also clean.
  2. Next, check that light is being emitted by the Handpiece by following these steps:
    1. Check that the LSU power cord is properly connected to the LSU and to the power outlet.
    2. Point the VELscope Handpiece at a visible surface and depress the thumb Push Button on the Handpiece.

If you still do not see any light, please contact LED online Customer Support, or call LED Customer Support at 1-888-541-46124 for assistance.

Does the VELscope System require disinfection after each use?

The external surfaces of the LSU should be cleaned and disinfected between each patient with a hospital-grade surface disinfectant and a towelette or gauze. Do not use disinfectants with an alcohol content over 40%, hyperchlorides, or phenol-based disinfectants as they will degrade the plastic shell of the unit. Ensure no residues are left on the Radiometer Window nor on either the patient-side or the viewing-side of the Handpiece windows. The fiber-optic light guide should also be cleaned and disinfected between each patient in the same manner.

NOTE: the patient glasses should be cleaned with soap and water after each use - do not use alcohol-based cleaning agents.

Using VELscope®

Where should the VELscope exam be performed?

The VELscope exam should be conducted in the dental operatory as an adjunctive exam during the patient’s annual oral cancer screening by a dentist, hygienist or other qualified health-care provider. Please check state regulations. A darkened examining area is the ideal setting for performing a VELscope examination. However, If the examining area does not allow for controlling the amount of ambient light, the disposable ambient light management drape, VELdrape (included in the VELscope Introductory Accessory Package and available separately from your dealer) can be used to restrict ambient light during the VELscope examination.

What are the common sites for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) within the oral cavity?

The lateral border of the tongue, floor of the mouth, lips, soft palate (including the tonsillar pillars), and the retromolar trigone. Lesions located on the lateral border of the tongue are often located just anterior to the foliate papilla.

What do I do when I see a suspicious lesion with VELscope?

Perform the oral mucosal exam with white light again. You may refer to the Lexi-Comp’s Oral Soft Tissue Disease Manual, included in your VELscope Starter Kit, as a reference. If you are not 100% sure that a lesion is benign after completing the exam, follow the standard course of actions for suspicious lesions (e.g., schedule a follow-up visit, perform a biopsy, refer the patient to a specialist for biopsy, etc). You should record the location of the lesion (you may use the oral lesion tracking form available here) and provide this information to the clinician performing the biopsy.

Who should I be screening and how often?

The VELscope exam can be incorporated into the standard hygiene exam during the annual patient oral cancer screening. Patients with known high risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive or frequent alcohol use, and aged 40 years or older should be screened at each recall appointment. There are no health risks, harmful effects or unpleasantness associated with the VELscope exam and recent research has found that over 25% of oral cancers are discovered in patients with no known risk factors. Therefore, screening every patient over the age of 18 years at each hygiene appointment may be a prudent protocol for a dental practice.

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Last updated 05/24/2006.