Routes of application

The following descriptions correspond to the techniques generally used and accepted by most experts and associations in the field.

Major autohemotherapy

The definitive way to apply doses sufficient for systemic effects across multiple diseases, because it allows a wide range of dosages. With full asepsis and small doses of anticoagulant, 100–150 cc of the patient's blood is extracted in a closed, sterile, disposable system, treated with medical ozone and immediately re-transfused. It usually takes 10–15 minutes.

Minor autohemotherapy

About 10 cc of the patient's blood is extracted, mixed with 10 cc of ozone and injected intramuscularly, usually in the buttock.

Rectal insufflation

A suitable ozone-inert probe is placed rectally, about 15 cm deep. Medical ozone is loaded into an appropriate syringe to guarantee accurate volume, and 50 to 300 cc is insufflated slowly. Any lubricant used must be absorbent (silicone type).

Vaginal insufflation

A suitable ozone-inert probe is placed deep in the vagina, and 30 to 50 cc of medical ozone is insufflated slowly; a greater volume can be used if necessary.

Local or external

The area is isolated with a plastic bag or accessory inert to ozone, fitted with a connector to the ozone machine. The air is extracted and a current of medical ozone fills the bag; the atmosphere is maintained for 20–30 minutes. Afterwards the machine's vacuum (with catalyst) removes the remaining ozone before the bag is taken off.

Intradermal injection

Ozone (up to 50 cc) is injected intradermally with a mesotherapy needle, distributed across the target area in portions of 1–2 cc per point.

Intramuscular injection

Ozone (10–20 cc) is injected slowly into the muscle with a thin 4 cm intramuscular needle; it can be applied even in the paraspinal muscles.

Intra-articular injection

Ozone (5–20 cc, depending on the joint) is injected very slowly into the joint capsule with a thin 4 cm needle.

Peri-articular injection

Ozone (10–20 cc) is injected with a mesotherapy needle in small volumes around the peri-articular area.

Intradiscal injection

Must be carried out in the operating room with a brightness amplifier. A special needle penetrates the disc via a percutaneous approach to inject part of the intradiscal ozone; the needle is then withdrawn to channel/foramen level, where the rest is injected. Specific training is required.

Ozone therapy treatment scheme

Depending on the individual diagnosis and the patient's condition, one or more combined methods may be used. The number and frequency of applications depend on this, as well as the patient's evolution and the technique applied. It usually takes between 5 and 15 sessions, except intradiscal application, which is usually performed once (occasionally repeated).

Contraindications

Patients with a significant glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (favism) should not receive this treatment, as oxidative haemolysis of red blood cells may occur due to the lack of protective systems against oxidation.

Precautions

In some unusual situations (decompensation): patients with hyperthyroidism and thrombocytopenia, severe cardiovascular instability (block, Wolff-Parkinson-White), convulsive status and haemorrhagic episodes.

These descriptions are educational. Treatment is always indicated and performed by a licensed physician after individual assessment.