The Thermal Imaging Exam
Step 1
The patient is welcomed to the practice and given an intake questionnaire and the HIPPA (patient privacy) forms to sign. This is a good time to ask any questions about the procedure.
Step 2
The next step is for the patient to disrobe down to the underpants and put on a lightweight gown. This allows for the body to acclimatize to the ambient temperature of the clinic and to establish the patient’s homeostasis before imaging begins.
Step 3
Patient information relating to symptoms and history is taken, this focuses on the primary complaints and concerns of the patient. .
Step 4
A full explanation is given before the imaging is started so that the patient understands what is going to take place. The patient is reassured that there is no radiation, no contact with the body and that nothing will be felt.
Step 5
The test will involve a number of views being taken, each view only takes a couple of seconds, so the whole exam will be completed in a few minutes. We require the patient to remain as still as possible for the couple of seconds that the image is taken but it is not necessary to hold the breath.
Step 6
We routinely take an anterior view followed by both lateral views and then a posterior view, sometimes oblique views are included.
Step 7
The head and chest views are routinely taken in the seated position and the abdomen and legs, in the standing position.
Step 8
The test is just like having your photograph taken, a thermographer focuses the scanner and takes an image which is saved onto the computer to be sent to a doctor (M.D.) for interpretation and reporting.
Step 9
Once all images have been taken. The thermographer reviews the images with the patient and explains what the colors mean and what to expect from the written report which will be provided within a couple of days (urgent reports are completed within 24 hours.)
Step 10
Your report will provide useful information relating to your physiological status (or function of the body). The interpreting doctor (M.D.) will identify any significant findings that relate to your symptoms and history and give an opinion that will help your treating doctor or healthcare practitioner.
Special Notes:
Thermography is a physiologic test that demonstrates thermal patterns in skin temperature that may be normal or which may indicate pain, injury, disease or other abnormality. If abnormal heat patterns are identified relating to a specific region of interest or function, clinical correlation and further investigation may be necessary to assist your health care provider in diagnosis and treatment.
Breast thermography is a way of monitoring breast health over time. Every woman has a unique thermal pattern that should not change over time, like a fingerprint. The purpose of the two initial breast studies (usually obtained three months apart) is to establish the baseline pattern for each patient to which all future thermograms are compared to monitor stability. With continued breast health, the thermograms remain identical to the initial study. Changes may be identified in follow-up studies that could represent physiological differences within the breast that warrant further investigation.
The thermography report is intended for use by trained health providers to assist in evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. It is not intended for use by individuals for self-evaluation or self-diagnosis. This Report does not provide a diagnosis of illness, disease, or other condition.