Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation Therapy

ULTRAVIOLET BLOOD IRRADIATION (UBI)

UBI is a procedure where a small portion of a patient’s blood is exposed to Ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is the same energy that allows the sun to sanitize and kill bacteria and viruses. Bacteria and viruses absorb five times as much energy as normal blood cells; this allows healthy cells to remain intact while the diseased cells fracture apart. The normal cells then begin to produce antibodies, creating an immune response. Although only a small amount of blood is used in the procedure, the exposure to UV light stimulates a chain reaction in the immune system.  


First used in 1928, UBI became less popular with the invention of antibiotics. While antibiotics were easier and less invasive, over time bacterial strains have become more resistant to treatment. For cases of chronic infection, especially where patient treatment has plateaued, UBI can be an excellent option. UBI has been approved by the FDA for T-cell lymphoma and also to prevent immune rejection of organ transplantation.

 

PROCEDURE

During UBI, a small amount of blood is drawn from you first. Your blood is then run through a device that passes it through a quartz cuvette where it is irradiated with ultraviolet light in a closed, airtight, sterile circuit and returned to your bloodstream. This process usually takes between 40-50 minutes. Depending on your condition you may need treatment one to two times weekly for a minimum of 10 treatments. Chronic conditions are treated on a personalized schedule made just for you and often a maintenance treatment of once monthly is needed.

UBI may be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments for conditions including: