The wood’s lamp filter is made of –
**Core Concept**
The Wood's lamp is a diagnostic tool used primarily to identify fungi and bacteria that cause skin infections and other dermatological conditions. It emits ultraviolet (UV) light to illuminate these microorganisms, making them visible under the lamp.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Wood's lamp filter is specifically designed to emit UVA light, which has a wavelength of 365 nanometers. This specific wavelength is chosen because it is effective in causing fluorescent reactions in certain microorganisms, such as dermatophytes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The filter is made of a material that selectively transmits this specific wavelength of UV light, while blocking other wavelengths that might be harmful or unnecessary.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not specify the correct wavelength of UV light emitted by the Wood's lamp.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the material used to make the Wood's lamp filter.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it does not provide a plausible explanation for the Wood's lamp filter's composition.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the Wood's lamp is not a definitive diagnostic tool, but rather a useful adjunct to clinical examination and microbiological testing. The appearance of greenish or yellowish fluorescence under the lamp can indicate the presence of certain microorganisms, but it should not be relied upon as the sole diagnostic criterion.
**Correct Answer:** C.