Thermography uses a high-resolution infrared imaging system in a controlled environment to take thermal images of clients who have followed pre-imaging protocols (listed at bottom of page). A thermologist (doctor) can read thermal images and determine if patterns are present that may indicate risk to the body. The FDA approved thermography as an adjunct imaging procedure for breast cancer in 1982. Thermography uses no radiation and is non-invasive. There is no touching, pressure, or probing.
Can I use thermography as a replacement for mammograms?
No, they are completely different. It is not a replacement for any other forms of imaging or medical procedures.
What can thermography find?
Thermography has saved many lives by being a first alert for breast cancer, thyroid issues, heart disease, stroke risk, and much more. It can also indicate conditions, such as hormone disruptors, up to ten years before cancer begins to grow. This allows you to make changes to prevent future health problems. In some cases, such as skin cancer, gastrointestinal, and pelvic issues, it is better to go directly to a doctor instead of getting a thermogram first. Those things will show up on a thermogram, but then you have to go to a doctor anyway.
How accurate is thermography for detecting breast cancer?
Thermography and mammograms are each 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 is more adjunctive and should not be used as a replacement for mammograms.
How often should I get a thermogram?
You should get a thermogram once a year. If the doctor (thermologist) finds suspicious or "watchful" (T-3) results, he may recommend that you get another one sooner.
Are you a doctor?
No, I am a clinical thermography technician (also known a a clinical thermographer) certified by the Academy of Clinical Thermology. I download your infrared images and paperless intake forms via a secure medical portal to Doctor William Amalu, the board-certified thermologist with whom I work. He will interpret the images and download a report to me, which I send to you via a secure, HIPAA approved email.
Beware of people who call themselves clinical thermographers who do not work with board-certified thermologists. A thermographer is a technician. A thermologist is a specialized doctor who interprets thermograhic images. You must be a doctor (MD, DC, DO) to be trained as a thermologist. Some thermographers (technicians) claim to be able to interpret infrared images after a weekend "certification" course. They cannot accurately interpret the images as well as a board-certified thermologist, and are usually trying to sell you expensive supplements.
Doctor William Amalu has had five years of university-sponsored courses and mentoring from Dr. William Hobbins, MD, FACS, a world-renowned breast thermologist.
Doctor Amalu's credentials are DABCT, DIACT, DAAMII, FIACT.
What can I expect when I come in?
I schedule appointments so you do not have to wait. You will be led to the imaging room where you will remove your clothing, depending on what type of thermography you want, and put on a gown. You will be given a disposable thong if you want a full-body or lower body thermogram or you may bring your own. You will sit comfortably for fifteen minutes so your body can acclimate to the temperature of the room, which will be about 70 degrees F. The technician will take your temperature with a touchless thermometer and note any abnormalities in the skin to avoid inaccurate results.
Do you take insurance?
No.
Do you sell supplements or gadgets?
No.
How much do you charge?
My prices are listed near the bottom of this page. I do several different sets of images. These prices include the doctor's report.
Before you arrive for your thermogram, certain protocols must be followed in order to ensure that your images reflect accurate information.
No prolonged sun exposure (sunbathing and tanning booth) 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. Shaving nicks and depilatory burns will cause inflammation that will affect the images.
No treatments (chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, TENS, physical therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, ice or cold pack use, heating pad, sauna, or steam room) or physical stimulation (scratching, rubbing, etc.) 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 very hot baths for 24 hours prior to the exam.
Avoid pain medications 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 tell 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 your body to acclimate with the temperature of the room. You will be given a disposable thong, for lower body imaging, for your privacy or you may wear your own.
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.,
If you need financial assistance for a breast thermogram, contact the United Breast Cancer Foundation at UBCF.org. Submit an application and you will receive an email from the UBCF within a week indicating the amount of assistance they will give to you. Read the entire email and follow the instructions.
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 diligently adhere to them.
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 for the surface temperature of the body to equilibrate with the room.
Upon your arrival you will fill out an intake form, a consent form, and a form confirming you followed the pre-imaging protocols.
Do not hesitate to call or text any questions. Thank you for choosing Abintra Wellness Elevation. I look forward to meeting you.
Thermography is not intended to be used as a replacement for annual mammograms. No imaging method is 100 percent accurate nor can any imaging method diagnose. Only a biopsy can determine for sure if cancer is present. Only a medical doctor can diagnose. Since thermography and mammograms are completely different, one using thermal markers, the other measuring mass, they complement each other perfectly. What one misses the other will hopefully catch. I recommend getting a breast thermogram six months before a mammogram to detect fast-growing, insidious forms of breast cancer. Do monthly self-exams even if you are getting thermograms and mammograms.
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