Medical digital infrared thermal imaging, or DITI, is a non-contact, noninvasive health-discovery technique that allows the examiner to visualize and quantify changes in skin surface temperature. The skin responds to physiological changes and DITI is able to observe those changes. Instead of an image sensor that measures visible light, as is found in a standard camera, the thermal camera uses an infrared image sensor or scanning device that can convert infrared radiation emitted from the skin surface into electrical impulses that are visualized in color on a monitor.

This visual image graphically maps the body temperature and is referred to as a thermogram. The spectrum of colors indicates an increase or decrease in the amount of infrared radiation being emitted from the body surface. Since there is a high degree of thermal symmetry in the normal body, subtle abnormal temperature asymmetries can be easily identified.

The highest use of thermal imaging is to thermally monitor dynamic changes in general health. This benefits the client with thermal images that includes multiple areas of the body. Be advised that initial imaging of only the breasts provides limited information regarding the general health of the client.

While other diagnostics such as ultrasound, radiography and mammography show the body’s structure or anatomy, DITI (digital infrared thermal imaging) is unique in that it shows physiologic and metabolic processes.

​

The applications of thermography are broad and range from simple soft tissue injury to a risk assessment marker for breast health. However, thermography cannot be used as a “body scan” to search for internal cancers, skin cancer, metastasis (the spread of cancer) or internal organ pathologies. There are many areas where thermography can help you and your doctor to discover a health condition along with monitoring your treatment. The following list is just some of the conditions that have associated infrared signals:

• Unexplained pain and Inflammation
• Digestive issues Liver, Stomach, Pancreas, Spleen, Intestines
• Leaky gut
• Thyroid function challenges
• Immune Imbalance
• Dental and Sinus issues
• TMJ
• Neck and Spinal problems
• Breast Health
• Breast Risk Health Assessment
• Lymphatic Congestion
• Hormone Imbalance
• Injury Assessment and Monitoring
• Musculoskeletal
• Hidden problem Inflammation

Sources: Index Medicus J Thermology, Acta