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Thermography Exam Explained

The patient is welcomed to the practice and given an intake questionnaire and the HIPPA (patient privacy) forms to sign. The next step is for the patient to disrobe down to the underpants and put on a light-weight gown. This allows for the body to acclimate to the ambient temperature of the room before imaging begins. Patient information relating to symptoms and history is taken, this focuses on the primary complaints and concerns of the patient. 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. 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 not necessary to hold the breath. We routinely take an anterior view followed by both lateral views and then a posterior view, sometimes oblique views are included. 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 for interpretation and reporting. Once all the images have been taken the thermographer reviews the images with the patient and explains what all the colors mean and what to expect from the written report which will be provided within a couple of days. Your report will contain useful information relating to your physiological status (or function of the body). The interpreting doctor 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.