FAQ's

Thermal imaging is a heat sensitive test. Anything which creates heat should be avoided prior to testing. Excessive metabolic activity, friction, or any of the activities listed below will alter heat readings.

It is very important that you do not use any antiperspirant or deodorant before your scan. I recommend showering (at least 4 hours before your appointment) to make sure any product used the prior day or morning is removed. It’s important because we’re looking for changes in body temperature and using products such as deodorant or antiperspirant won’t allow us to see heat changes in the body.

If you have a sunburn or fever, please call to reschedule.

1 Month Prior to exam: 

No minor breast surgery, i.e. biopsy. Note, we may still perform testing after biopsy. Write this in form.

1 Week Prior to exam: 

Be cautious of too much sun exposure in order to avoid sunburn. Scans will have to be rescheduled if you’ve had a sunburn of any sort.

48 Hours Prior to exam: 

Men with beards should shave their face and neck, as well as backs. Men & Women should avoid all tanning & limit sun exposure.

24 hours prior to exam: 

Avoid chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, saunas, steam baths, hot tubs, heating pads, hot water bottles, analgesic creams or balms. Do not shave underarms (Should be done prior). Reschedule if you experience a significant fever. Refrain from sexual activity.

The day of the exam: 

For best results, please wear thong underwear or a jock strap for full body studies. Underwear is optional and best results are without. Do not use creams, lotions, cosmetics, ointments, deodorants, antiperspirants, powders or any other skin product. Please bring a hair tie to remove hair from your forehead and back of neck. Remove all piercings and jewelry prior to exam, unless unable to.

4 hours prior to exam: 

Do not bathe or shower in HOT water. Do not smoke cigarettes or use any product which contains nicotine. Avoid physical therapy or exercise. No coffee, tea, soda or other beverages containing caffeine. No alcoholic beverages. Women – do not wear a bra for the 4 hours leading up to the exam.

2 Hours Before the Exam: 

Avoid hot or cold liquids, avoid eating or chewing gum, and avoid using a cell phone.

Prior to and During Your Exam: Please inform us if you have a hot flash during the session. Try to relax prior to and during the exam. Stress will affect your exam.

When you arrive for your appointment:  

When you arrive for your appointment we’ll spend a few minutes discussing your concerns and we will answer any questions you may have about the procedure. 

Please inform me if you have had a breast biopsy within 1 month; breast surgery, chemotherapy or radiation treatment within the last 2 months. When you’re comfortable, you’ll be escorted into a special temperature controlled suite (64 – 72 degrees). I’ll ask you to disrobe and stand in the room for 15 minutes to acclimate your body to the room temperature.

1. I’ll ask you to stand , disrobe and stnad behind a privacy curtain, for 15 minutes prior to the scan. If you’re doing a full body scan, you cannot sit down as the heat created on the back of the legs will alter readings.
2. I’ll ask you to remove all jewelry and eye glasses and your hair must be put up and away from face and neck.
3. Please no rubbing or touching anywhere near the breasts or crossing arms while you wait. Same rule applies to modified full body scan as you acclimate. Any touching should be avoided, especially areas of concern to avoid generating heat.

After the 15 minute acclimation period, we’ll spend approximately 20 – 30 minutes doing the thermoscan. Please inform us if you have a hot flash during the session.

I recommend you plan on being at our center for 60 minutes