What is Thermography?
Thermography is a diagnostic technique for detecting and measuring regional skin temperatures produced by different parts of the body. Thermography provides a complementary and/or alternative screening method to help identify disease processes. Both Computerized Regulation Thermography and
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging/Breast Thermography cameras are classified as US FDA Class I 510(k) medical devices which do not provide imagery of anatomical structures.Each procedure is non-invasive, radiation-free and can be used to complement other existing diagnostic procedures such as mammography, ultrasound, MRI and CT scanning.
How it Works
CRT - Computerized Regulation Thermography is based on the physiology of heat in humans and measures how the body responds to stress, or a cold stimulus. Using the CRT 2000® Thermographic System, a highly sensitive probe with a heat sensor takes two sequential measurements of up to 119 pre-determined points on the skin’s surface to measure and detect changes in the skin’s physiological response to stress (see photo). The temperature detected by the heat sensor is then recorded. When disease processes exist in the body, the organs respond differently to stress and can be reflected in differences between the first and second measurements. These changes may indicate the likelihood of a disease even at its earliest stage before a patient experiences symptoms.CRT examinations are carried out by trained and certified CRT Technicians.
Infrared - Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI)/Breast Thermography is a diagnostic technique that images the breasts to aid in the early detection of breast cancer. The procedure involves use of infrared cameras and computers which convert infrared radiation emitted from the skin’s surface into electrical impulses in order to produce high-resolution diagnostic images of temperature and vascular changes. These images are unique to each person and remain stable over time. The colour visualizations provide a heat map of the body and show how asymmetrical increases or decreases in heat patterns could potentially indicate abnormal tissue areas. When there are more blood vessels, there is more heat and it is those areas on the body that the camera can detect changes in heat or temperature.
Procedure for Each
CRT - Preparation: Fill out a CRT patient questionnaire sheet. First Reading: A passive skin temperature sensor, or a direct temperature measurement probe, is used to take the first set of readings consisting of 119 measurements as the patient progressively undresses. Examination of the breast area is optional. 10-Minute Wait: The patient waits while disrobed, inducing an autonomic response to a cold stimulus. Second Reading: 119 temperature measurements are repeated. Thermogram Profile and Report: Results are available immediately after the 30-minute CRT examination. Through a secure Internet connection, the patient’s measurements are compared with 25 years worth of historical information in the CRT 2000®’s central database and are used to create a thermogram, reaction profile and patient evaluation report. This information is available free of charge per use within seconds for interpretation and discussion with a healthcare practitioner for adjunctive diagnosis and treatment.
Infrared - Preparation: Overview of case history, completion of a breast history questionnaire, waiting undressed to the waist and cooling breasts to room temperature set between 18 and 22°C for 5 – 10 minutes. Scanning: Still disrobed, the patient is asked to sit on a stool located about 3 feet in front of the camera. Once the body’s temperature has stabilized, the hands are rested behind the head while several images are taken. In between scans, the patient may be asked to submerge the hands in a cold water bath as a “cold challenge” to the whole body. Breast Examination: Breasts are examined by a trained female
professional and used as part of the comprehensive evaluation. Reporting: Breast thermal scans are carefully read, interpreted and reported by a team of certified technicians who are specially trained in Thermal Imaging reporting. Within 7 to 14 days of the scan, a report is generally available and an appointment may be scheduled with a practitioner. Some interpretations can be marked urgent and made available in 24 hours, at a premium charge to the practitioner for use.
Sources
1. Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration. Information on Telethermographic Systems retrieved online from the USFDA CDRH Database.
2. Eidam Diagnostics Corporation (2008). “CRT 2000”.
3. FLIR Systems (2005). “About Thermography”. Retrieved online March 10, 2008 from http://www.flir.ca/about/
4. International Academy of Clinical Thermography (2003). “What is Breast Thermography?” Retrieved online March 10, 2008 from http://www.iact-org.org/
5. Medicine World (2007). “Breast Cancer Screening.” Retrieved online March 10, 2008 from http://medicineworld.org/cancer/breast/mammogram-and-breast-cancer-screening.html
6. Meditherm (2008). “Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging System”. Retrieved online March 10, 2008 from http://www.meditherm.com/thermography_page4.htm
7. Pacific Chiropractic and Research Center (2005). “What is Breast Thermography?” Retrieved online March 10, 2008 from http://www.breastthermography.com/
8. Saputo, L. (2004). “Overview: Beyond Mammography”. Retrieved online March 12, 2008from http://www.healthyconcept.com/PDF/BeyondMammography.
Republished from http://jarvisclinic.com/var/dl/179111/1381987-CRT-A-Comparison.pdf
