Federal and state regulations require that the lamps be replaced with the type designated by the equipment manufacturer. You also have the option to replace the lamps with a lamp thatis “compatible” or “substantially equivalent” to the labeled lamp. What does that mean?
According to FDA policy, lamps are compatible if the meet the following guidelines:
• The bed must operate the same way with the replacement lamps as it did with the labeled lamps. For example if you are re-lamping a 20 minute unit, you can not use lamps that would be intended for a 10 minute unit. These lamps would cause the unit to operate in a different manner.
• Within plus or minus 10%, the replacement lamps must produce the same amount of UVB (have the same burning power). This is to guarantee that the MED remains the same.