Thermography (Infrared Imaging)
What Is Thermography?
Thermography uses a high-resolution infrared imaging system in a controlled environment to take images of clients who have followed specific pre-imaging protocols. Clinical infrared imaging is performed to determine if asymmetrical thermal patterns are present, which can tell thermologists if there may be a risk to the body. The FDA approved thermography as an adjunct imaging procedure for breast cancer in 1982. It is not a replacement for any other forms of imaging. It does not screen, detect, or diagnose health disorders. Infrared imaging reports are meant to identify thermal emissions that suggest potential risk markers and do not suggest a diagnosis or treatment. Only a medical doctor can diagnose. The thermal markers must be correlated by the patient's treating physician with additional testing and procedures before a final diagnosis can be made. Some abnormalities will not have associated thermal markers so infrared imaging should not be used as a stand-alone test without clinical correlation. That said, infrared imaging has saved many lives by being a first alert for fast-growing forms of breast cancer. It can also be a useful tool to help your physician, chiropractor, acupuncturist, or dentist identify inflammation caused by thyroid, dental, spinal, or auto-immune issues, to name a few. For a full list of conditions that have associated thermal markers please click the Thermography page button at the top of the picture above. No form of imaging is a hundred percent accurate. Only a biopsy can determine for certain if cancer is present. Thermography and mammograms are about 75 to 85 percent accurate. They are completely different forms of imaging--One uses thermal emissions from the body and is better for showing fast-growing forms of cancer; The other is better at detecting larger masses. Thermography should not be used as a replacement for mammograms. I recommend getting a breast thermogram six months before your annual mammogram to check for the fast-growing form of breast cancer, which can be insidious in less than a year.
Thermography does not send anything to your body. It causes no side effects or toxicity. It simply detects infrared heat naturally emitting from the surface of the body, which can be interpreted by thermologists. There is no touching or probes involved. It is completely non-invasive.
CTT Credential
I am a Certified Thermography Technician. I download the infrared images of your body and the paperwork to Dr. William Amalu, the thermologist with whom I work. He will interpret the images and download a report to me, which I upload to a USB stick, along with the images, for you to take to your doctor.
Pre-imaging Protocol
Before you arrive for your thermogram, certain protocols must be followed in order to ensure that your images reflect accurate information. Please read the following instructions and strictly adhere to them.
No prolonged sun exposure (sunbathing and sunburn) to the body areas being imaged five days prior to the exam.
No use of deodorants, lotions, oils, creams, powders, or makeup (no facial makeup for full-body or upper body scans) the day of the exam.
No shaving or other hair removal of the areas to be imaged the day of the exam.
No treatment (chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, TENS, physical therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, ice or cold pack use, heating pad, sauna, or steam room) or physical stimulation of the areas to be imaged for 24 hours before the exam.
No exercise the day of the exam.
If showering, it must be no closer than one hour before the exam. No hot baths for 24 hours prior to the exam.
If you are using pain medications, please avoid taking them for four hours prior to the examination. However, you must consult with the prescribing physician for his or her consent prior to any change in medication.
You must wait at least four weeks after having a fine needle or core biopsy of the breast before a thermogram can be performed.
You must wait at least eight weeks after having a lumpectomy or surgical biopsy of the breast before a thermogram can be performed.
If you have had a medical procedure within the last 12 weeks, please notify me before scheduling your appointment.
If you are scheduled for a breast thermogram, the same protocols above apply along with no physical stimulation of the breasts for 24 hours before the exam. If you are nursing, please try to nurse as far from one hour prior to the exam as possible.
Reschedule if you are sick or have a fever the day of the appointment.
Please note: During the examination you will be disrobed (from the waist up for breast exams, and buttocks exposed for lower body exams) during part of the examination for both imaging and to allow the the surface temperature of the body to equilibrate with the room.
You will fill out an intake form, a consent form, and a form to confirm you have followed the pre-imaging protocols when you arrive, which may take up to ten minutes. Do not hesitate to call or text if you have any questions. Thank you for choosing Abintra Wellness Elevation. I look forward to meeting you.
For More Information
For examples of thermography images and an interpretation of those images, a list of the clinical applications for infrared imaging, prices, financial assistance from the United Breast Cancer Foundation, and other information, click on the Thermography page button at the top of the picture at the top of this page.
For information about massage therapy, bodywork, facials, microdermabrasion, facial peels, and ion detox foot spa, please click the Spa Services button at the top of the this page.