Frequently Asked Questions
To learn more about Thermal Imaging, our procedure and many other questions you may have, see below.
1
Is thermal imaging safe?
Thermal imaging is perfectly safe as it has no radiation, no contact therefore no compression and is non-invasive making it perfect for adults and children. Thermal imaging has also been FDA approved (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) since 1982 as an aid in evaluating health conditions.
2
What is the procedure?
Your appointment starts with you sitting in a dimly lit, temperature-controlled room for about 10 minutes to allow your body to equilibrate or 'cool down'. During this time, you will be asked to put on a robe and complete your medical history. All scanning requires some images where you will be partially disrobed but be rest assured that your privacy is important, and every single person is treated with dignity and respect with the technician facing away from you.
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Patients who use a mobile phone during equilibration, fail to remove their shoes, have hair touching their neck or face, may not get a proper reading. Scratching or rubbing the skin after equilibration can show a temperature that is not true for testing.
3
What happens after my scan?
Once all images are captured they are sent electronically to a qualified thermologist in the USA for interpretation and reporting. After 10-14 days you will receive a phone call detailing the findings of your report and your detailed report including all colour images, will be emailed to you. A copy can also be sent to your healthcare professional. Every study is suitable to be archived as a baseline study and used for future comparative imaging.
4
Who can thermal imaging help?
Anyone and everyone! As thermal imaging is perfectly safe, it is great for adults and children. We have even scanned infants and toddlers (with mum or dad’s help of course). If there is a mobility issue a carer may be required, and we will do our best to get clear images of the areas of concern.
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Thermal imaging can be used for a broad variety of purposes. Whether you are in fantastic health and just want to make sure you stay that way, or you are looking for answers to that unexplained pain, or you have a known illness that you would like to monitor.
5
What services do you offer?
ThermaLife can take images of the whole body (Full Body) allowing 1 hour, torso to face (Women’s or Men’s Health) allowing 45 mins and breast/thyroid/face (Breast Plus) allowing 30 mins. Just areas of concern can also be performed and will be quoted at the time of booking. Click here to see more.
6
What do I need to do to prepare for my scan?
We ask that 12 hours prior to your scan you do not shave, go sun baking, do excessive exercising, have massage, chiropractic or anything that circulates the skin such as physio, acupuncture or cupping.
On the day of your scan please do not apply any lotions, creams, deodorants, powders or makeup. Deodorant is common to show up under the arms and block the view of the lymph nodes. Many deodorants have aluminum which does not wash off for many days. Please use no deodorant or a natural deodorant for the days leading up to your scan.
And two hours prior to your scan no eating, drinking, nicotine or caffeine products.
7
Is Thermal Imaging useful for monitoring Breast Health?
Thermal imaging is extremely popular for women monitoring their breast health and is fantastic for young women with dense or fibrocystic tissue. Thermal imaging can help you understand how your hormones play an important role in your breast health and can see patterns that may indicate your peri menopausal/menopausal status. It is also great for those who have had a partial or full mastectomy.
Please note that pregnant and/or nursing mothers should wait 6 months after breastfeeding for a thorough breast interpretation.
8
Can Thermal Imaging monitor the status of your breast implants?
Thermography is also a safe way to check the status of breast implants. Breast implants on a thermal view will look symmetrical in size, shape and temperature, making ruptures quite obvious. An implant breach will make the breast look misshapen or a different colour to the other breast. This does depend on the placement of the implant as with some placements, symmetry is not as pronounced. If the thermography interpreters are in any doubt and MRI will be recommended.
9
What equipment is used?
All thermograms are performed using the FLIR A300 series, Digital Telethermographic System, one of the best technologies available. There is a room equilibration period with an ambient room temperature of 19-23C. Comparison scans are made with colour and grey scale linear modes evaluated to optimize the analysis.
10
How often should I have Thermal Imaging?
Your first scan is your baseline and will be used as a comparison for any future scans. Your interpreting thermographer will advise a recommendation on when your follow up should be depending on the findings on your report. Usually a follow up scan is recommended every 12 months unless there are any concerns that should be monitored sooner.
11
Where are you located?
ThermaLife is based at Higher Health Wellness Centre, Mile End and also provide services in the Riverland, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge and Wallaroo. Other regional towns on request. Please contact ThermaLife to discuss.
12
What conditions can Thermal Imaging Monitor?
You can see a full list of some conditions Thermal Imaging can monitor here
13
​Does thermography replace a mammogram or other conventional screening in Australia?
No. Thermography does not replace other conventional screening offered in Australia. Unlike conventional screening that measures the ‘structures’ of the body, DITI is unique in its capability to show physiological changes and the ‘function’ of the body, making it a perfect adjunct to conventional screening.