Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) uses an infrared camera to record temperature patterns at the skin’s surface. It records heat patterns rather than the internal anatomical structures shown by mammography, ultrasound, or MRI (ACCT FAQs).

ACCT describes uses including breast imaging and documenting temperature changes associated with pain, nerve irritation, or soft-tissue injury. Findings are adjunctive information for a healthcare professional, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an appropriate medical evaluation (ACCT FAQs).

No. ACCT describes thermography and mammography as complementary tests based on different principles, and thermography as complementary to ultrasound as well. ACCT advises making individual testing decisions with regard to clinical history, personal circumstances, and medical advice (ACCT FAQs).

No. ACCT explains that mammograms, thermograms, MRI, X-rays, and other imaging scans do not themselves establish a cancer diagnosis. ACCT identifies biopsy followed by laboratory analysis as the most common way to diagnose cancer; a thermogram records hot and cold patterns that may warrant further investigation (ACCT FAQs).

Wear comfortable clothing and bring a hair tie or clip if needed. On the day of your appointment, avoid strenuous exercise, massage or other bodywork, tanning or extended sun exposure, shaving the area to be scanned, and lotions, powders, makeup, antiperspirants, or essential oils on that area. Avoid smoking for two hours beforehand and acupuncture for three days beforehand.

Tell us about recent surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or dialysis before scheduling so we can confirm appropriate timing. Do not stop prescribed medication, postpone necessary treatment, or skip dialysis for a scan. If you use pain medication, discuss timing with your prescribing clinician and tell your thermographer what you have taken. We will review the preparation instructions with you when scheduling.

Allow approximately 30 to 40 minutes for a single region of interest, 45 to 60 minutes for a half-body scan, or 60 to 75 minutes for a full-body scan. This includes preparation and time to acclimate to the room. We will confirm the time needed for your selected scan when you book.

Your images are submitted for interpretation by a thermology-trained physician. Our usual reading and reporting time is two to three business days, followed by a phone overview. A password-protected PDF with your report and images is then provided, usually within two business days of that call. With your permission, your report can also be shared with your healthcare practitioner.

Most insurance companies do not cover thermography, according to ACCT. Check directly with your insurer about your policy, and confirm any HSA or FSA eligibility with your plan administrator rather than assuming reimbursement (ACCT FAQs).

The camera records infrared heat naturally emitted by your body; it does not expose you to ionizing radiation. There is no contact with the body and no breast compression (ACCT FAQs).

ACCT also describes thermography as a complementary tool, not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound. Its non-contact technique should not be confused with an ability to diagnose cancer (ACCT FAQs).

ACCT describes thermography as a test of physiology: it records infrared heat at the skin's surface. Mammography and ultrasound assess anatomy, or structure, rather than temperature patterns (ACCT FAQs).

These differences are why ACCT describes the tests as complementary rather than competitive. ACCT also notes that denser breast tissue can make it harder for mammography to identify suspicious lesions; your clinical history and medical advice should guide which tests you have (ACCT FAQs).

ACCT explains that thermography can identify an abnormal area for further diagnostic testing and give your healthcare provider additional information for case-management decisions. Discuss the finding with your treating clinician rather than treating a scan as a diagnosis (ACCT FAQs).

ACCT describes thermography, mammography, ultrasound, and clinical examinations as complementary sources of information. Which additional evaluation is appropriate should reflect your clinical history, personal circumstances, and medical advice, not a rule that every abnormal result requires the same next test (ACCT FAQs).

Thermal imaging can cover the whole body or individual regions, such as the breast area, head and neck, back, arms, or legs. The area selected depends on your concerns and the purpose of the assessment (ACCT FAQs).

Our options include breast, single-area, half-body, and full-body imaging. We can help you choose the appropriate appointment type.

We review your history, explain the scan, and answer your questions. You change privately into a gown or sarong, exposing only the areas needed for imaging. After your skin has time to acclimate to the room, we guide you through simple positions while the camera takes images from a distance. You then dress, and we explain the next steps for physician interpretation.

Let us know when booking if you would like someone to accompany you. ACCT notes that a companion’s presence during imaging depends on room conditions and the technician’s judgment; a companion may be present for the image review if you wish (ACCT FAQs).

Your thermographer is Catherine Beck, CCT, LMT, CST. Taking the images and interpreting them are separate roles: your images are sent to a thermology-trained physician for a written report.

ACCT recommends thermographers hold certification from a professional body with ethical standards, practice protocols, and quality-control guidelines (ACCT FAQs).

A thermal scan does not compress the breast. ACCT describes thermography as an option for patients with implants; tell us about implants and any recent breast surgery when scheduling (ACCT FAQs).

ACCT still describes thermal imaging as complementary to mammography and ultrasound, not a replacement for them (ACCT FAQs).

Tell us before booking so we can discuss the type and timing of your scan. ACCT distinguishes breast imaging from full-body thermography and advises against full-body thermography during pregnancy or lactation (ACCT FAQs).

Our preparation guidance calls for a three-month interval after breastfeeding. Contact the studio to confirm when to schedule, and do not delay evaluation of a breast symptom while waiting for a thermography appointment.

A baseline provides images for future comparison. ACCT describes establishing a breast baseline with two studies about three months apart, followed by annual comparative studies, with timing adjusted for your history and the interpreting physician’s recommendations (ACCT FAQs).

ACCT describes this monitoring as complementary to mammography and ultrasound, with testing decisions guided by your history and medical advice (ACCT FAQs).

ACCT calls thermography an adjunctive tool because it provides a different set of information that a healthcare provider can consider alongside other tests. ACCT also notes that some conditions call for a different test; your provider can help determine which evaluation fits your concern (ACCT FAQs).

ACCT describes an individual's thermal pattern as a reference for comparison. Changes over time can help identify areas that warrant further investigation; ACCT recommends establishing a baseline and adjusting follow-up timing to your history and your doctor's advice (ACCT FAQs).

Contact your treating clinician to arrange evaluation rather than waiting for a routine thermography appointment. ACCT describes thermal imaging as potentially useful additional information after a lump or suspicious mammogram, while emphasizing that imaging does not itself diagnose cancer and that testing choices should follow medical advice (ACCT FAQs).

Our studio is at 515 East 750 North, Lebanon, Indiana 46052 — an easy drive from Indianapolis, Zionsville, Carmel, and surrounding counties. Appointments are Tuesday through Thursday, 9 to 5, or by arrangement. Get directions and hours.