How well is your Candela laser actually performing?
A Candela laser efficiency check can help answer that question.
A system may power on, calibrate, and fire normally while its performance has changed.
However, checking efficiency is not as simple as looking at one percentage.
You need to understand what the machine reports and what an external meter measures.
What Does Laser Efficiency Mean?
In service terms, efficiency helps us understand how well the laser is producing and delivering energy.
However, there is an important distinction.
The treatment screen often shows fluence in J/cm².
An external meter usually measures pulse energy in joules.
These are related, but they are not the same number.
Spot size matters too.
That is why technicians compare measurements using the correct wavelength, spot size, pulse width, and test conditions.
What Is the Candela LVM Screen?
On the GentleMax Pro, LVM means Laser Variable Mode.
It is a diagnostic area that provides operating information about the system.
Technicians may use LVM information to review things such as:
- Laser operating data
- Pulse counts
- System performance information
- Internal efficiency information
This data can be very useful.
However, it comes from the machine itself.
It does not replace an external output test.
Why Is the LVM Useful?
The LVM screen can help show how the system is behaving internally.
It may also help a technician compare current readings with past service records.
That makes it useful for tracking changes.
For example, if the machine needs more effort to produce the same output over time, that trend may deserve attention.
But one LVM number should not be used alone to condemn a laser head, lamp, or other major component.
Diagnosis needs the full picture.
Internal Data vs. External Measurement
Think of the LVM as information from inside the machine.
An external energy meter gives you another view.
It measures energy coming from the laser delivery system under controlled test conditions.
That helps answer a different question:
What is the machine actually delivering?
Using both can give the technician a better picture of system performance.
How Is Candela Laser Efficiency Checked?
A proper Candela laser efficiency check uses known test conditions.
Depending on the platform, the technician may record:
- Wavelength
- Spot size
- Selected fluence
- Pulse duration
- Measured pulse energy
- Pulse consistency
- Relevant LVM data
- Laser-head counts
- Lamp counts
The readings can then be compared with the expected performance for that configuration.
The test should be repeated when needed to confirm consistency.
Why Spot Size Matters
Candela treatment settings are shown as fluence in J/cm².
That means the selected setting depends on both energy and treatment area.
For example, an 18 mm spot covers a larger area than a 12 mm spot.
So, you cannot simply compare the number on the treatment screen directly with a meter reading in joules.
The spot geometry must be considered.
Candela publishes different fluence ranges for different spot sizes on the GentleMax Pro.
What Is an Efficiency Chart?
An efficiency chart is a service tool used to organize test results.
It may record several output measurements at known settings.
That allows a technician to look for:
- Low output
- Changing output
- Inconsistent pulses
- Problems at certain settings
- Differences between Alexandrite and YAG
The chart can also be saved for future comparison.
That is often more useful than one measurement taken once.
What Is “Good” Efficiency?
There is no universal percentage that applies to every Candela test.
Avoid simple rules such as:
90% is good. 70% is bad.
The correct limits depend on the machine, wavelength, spot size, pulse width, test location, and service procedure.
Instead, compare the reading with the correct performance criteria for that platform.
A technician should also consider the machine’s service history.
Signs That Output Should Be Checked
You may want the system evaluated if you notice:
- Treatments seem different
- Output appears inconsistent
- Settings are being raised without a clear reason
- Calibration problems
- New fault messages
- Recent optical or delivery-system repairs
However, treatment results alone do not prove low output.
Patient factors, settings, technique, and treatment history can also change results.
Use those observations as clues.
Then measure the machine.
What Can Cause Lower Output?
Possible causes depend on the platform.
They may include:
- Dirty or damaged windows
- Fiber problems
- Contaminated optics
- Alignment problems
- Flashlamp wear
- Laser-head issues
- Electrical problems
- Delivery-system losses
That is why testing matters.
Do not replace an expensive component based on one number.
Find where the loss is occurring first.
Test Alexandrite and YAG Separately
The GentleMax Pro contains two different laser wavelengths:
- 755 nm Alexandrite
- 1064 nm Nd
One wavelength can perform differently from the other.
So, a good reading on Alexandrite does not automatically prove YAG is healthy.
Where appropriate, each installed wavelength should be evaluated separately.
Do Not Compensate by Raising Settings
If the machine seems weak, do not simply increase the fluence.
First, find out whether the problem is:
- The machine
- The delivery system
- The handpiece
- The settings
- Something else
Increasing settings can hide a performance problem instead of fixing it.
Measure first.
How Often Should Output Be Checked?
There is no single testing schedule for every practice.
Consider:
- Treatment volume
- Machine age
- Service history
- Previous repairs
- Performance changes
- Manufacturer guidance
A high-volume system may deserve more frequent review than a lightly used machine.
Also, do not wait for a scheduled service visit if something has clearly changed.
Measure the Machine, Not the Feeling
Good Candela laser efficiency testing combines internal information with external measurement.
The LVM provides useful system data.
The external meter shows measured energy.
The technician then compares those results with the correct test conditions and performance standards.
That is much stronger than guessing from treatment feel alone.
The screen tells you what the machine is trying to do. Measurement tells you what it is actually delivering.
Need output testing or a performance evaluation for a Candela GentleMax Pro?
Call The Laser Professionals at 561-203-9776 or email [email protected].
We provide Candela output testing, preventative maintenance, laser-head evaluation, optical repair, handpiece service, and nationwide aesthetic laser support.
The Laser Professionals — More Than Sales, Complete Laser Support.
