Thermography is an imaging system of the temperature patterns and gradients used for the analysis and identification of heat PATTERNS within the body. Heat patterns may indicate physiological disturbances of pain, inflammation, and hormonal or metabolic condition. Furthermore, certain heat patterns may be a signal of inflammation often found in cancer. Thermography uses a highly sensitive infrared camera to image minute temperature changes occurring in the tiny capillaries of the body.

Thermography does not replace mammography, but is used as an additional tool to increase the sensitivity of breast cancer screening. Whereas mammography, ultrasound, CT scans and MRI’s are used to identify an anatomical mass, thermography has the ability to identify the first thermal and chemical changes that may lead to tumor formation. Mammography is an image of the anatomy of the body. Thermography is an image of the physiology of the body.

• Extremely safe for all ages, from infants to the elderly; safe to use daily.
• No x-rays involved. An infrared camera is used to take a picture of the infrared rays given off of the body. No x-ray or radiation is absorbed by the body.
• Useful for the detection of inflammation found in:
  • thyroid conditions
  • testicular problems
  • pain syndromes
  • musculoskeletal conditions
  • hormonal imbalances
  • metabolic conditions
  • heart disease
• Useful in monitoring efficacy of treatment

Following are sample steps of how to prepare for thermography. Please read the complete instructions (pdf) prior to your appointment.

1. 1. Please arrive for your appointment 15 minutes early.
   2. Have your forms completed and signed.
   3. Avoid any perfumes and/or lotions.
   4. Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
   5. Do not shave the area being imaged for 48 hours prior to your appointment.
   6. Avoiding drinking or eating for 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
   7. If you are nursing, nurse 1 hour prior to your appointment.

You will be seated in a temperature-monitored room unclothed for 15-20 minutes to allow your body temperature to acclimate to the temperature of the room.  You will be asked to sit still and not to touch any object. You may NOT read during your acclimation time. You are encouraged to use this time to meditate and to practice deep breathing.  Soothing music will be available during your acclimation period.

Once acclimated, our thermography technician will enter the room and show you various positions of arms and legs to hold for a few seconds as she takes an image.  A series of images will be taken of the area being evaluated.  The images will then be sent to a certified thermologist to read the images and report on the findings.  The report will be sent to you or your physician within 3-4 weeks. Expedite readings of the images are available with 2 business days turnaround time when requested for an extra fee.

A series of images can be taken of the upper body, the lower body, head and neck and/or the breasts. The upper or lower body includes full back images. We also provide full body thermography scan which includes all of the above as well as the abdomen.

You are welcome to self-refer without a physician's prescription for thermography. If you do have a physician referral, the report will be sent to your physician. Please make sure to give us your physician's name and contact info for the report to be sent to them. Thermography is not covered by medical insurance.

Your thermography report may take 3-4 weeks to return from the thermologist. If you are in need of urgent consultation regarding your images and/or report, please set up a consultation with Dr. Darvish to review your images with you. If you wish Dr. Darvish is able to review your images only with you prior to receiving the report once you set up a consultation appointment with her. You may also expedite your report to return within 2 business days for an extra fee.