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The cleansing and anti-microbial properties of ultraviolet light have been recognized for years, and because of these properties it is commonly used for cleaning municipal water supplies. Contaminated fluids or objects can be rapidly cleaned of viruses and bacteria by exposure to ultraviolet light. In addition to its ability to eliminate pathogens, UVBI also has a dramatic effect upon the immune system and various enzyme systems in the body. This treatment is used for a variety of health challenges that patients may be dealing with.

By exposing blood to ultraviolet light a set of reactions are initiated that stimulate the immune system to "attack" either cancer cells or invading organisms such as the hepatitis virus. The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but most likely involves an increased production of lymphokines which are a type of cellular communication chemicals.

- Activation of the white blood cells

• The inactivation of toxins
• The destruction and growth inhibition of bacteria
• Vasodilation
• Activation of steroid hormones
• An increase in the oxygen combining power of the blood and oxygen transportation to organs
• Decrease blood viscosity by stimulation fibrinolysis
• Improving circulation
• Stimulating corticosteroid production
• Decreased platelet aggregation

Ultraviolet blood irradiation was first put into medical practice by a man named Emmet S. Knott. He irradiated his first patient, who had a severe type of blood infection known as sepsis, in 1928. This patient quickly recovered and Dr. Knott went on to treat over 6500 patients by 1942. Research from that time states that 95% of patients who received the treatment had successful outcomes- without any harmful side effects. Today, UVBI is being used at Yale University for treatment of lymphoma using a high-powered version of the "Knott technique."

Treatment with UVBI involves removing a small amount of blood from the patient, adding a anticoagulant to prevent clots, exposing the blood to the ultraviolet light, and re-infusing the blood back into the patient. The whole procedure takes 30-40 minutes. A single application of UVBI can be used in the case of acute viral infections, or multiple times in persistent infections, cancer, or immune system diseases.
UVBI is essentially free from adverse side effects when properly administered.