Digital infrared thermal imaging in health care

Colors indicate increases or decreases in infrared radiation emitted from the body surface

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) is a diagnostic technique that is non-invasive and involves no exposure to radiation. During an exam, a DITI camera is used to capture images, called thermograms. These thermographic images are taken by trained thermographers who submit them to a thermologists (medical doctors trained in thermology) who interpret the images for the patient to submit to their health professional for further evaluation.^[1]

History

"In 1986, a joint meeting was held in Austin, Texas to discuss the lawsuit against Medicare in an attempt to stop them from removing thermography from the official Medicare fee guidelines. Asked to testify before the State organization were Mr. Victor Yannacome, a trial attorney from New York City who is famous for his defeat of the U.S. Military and Dow Chemical for the use of Agent Orange, and Dr William Cockburn, a clinical thermographer from Los Angeles, CA."^[2]

Mr. Yannacome and Dr. Cockburn had a meeting afterwards whereas the future of medical thermal imaging was discussed. It was during this meeting that Mr. Yannacome came to the conclusion the word "thermography" was now associated with fraud and would need to be changed in order for it to survive. It was at this meeting that Mr. Yannacome came up with the new name DITI, or Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging.

While some groups try to claim the term DITI as their own construct, the term DITI was coined by a nationally renowned lawyer in 1986 in Austin, TX.^[3]

Common clinical uses

• Early detection of breast cancer^[4]
• Monitoring changes in overall health
• Monitoring healing processes
• Disease and Virus Monitoring
• Fever Screening (i.e. H1N1, SARS)

Types of screening

• Breast Screening to detect breast cancer and other disorders at their earliest stages
• Full Body Screening to detect areas of inflammation and origins of unexplained pain
• Region of Interest Screening to identify and monitor localized conditions such as thyroid conditions, TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.
• Mass Screening, in areas such as airports, to monitor the potential spread of viruses such as H1N1 (Swine Flu) by identifying fever symptoms in specific individuals^[5]

References

1. ^ "Overview of Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging". Meditherm. http://www.meditherm.com/thermography_page1.htm. Retrieved 2008-01-15. 
2. ^ "The Origin of the Term – D.I.T.I.". MedicalIR. http://www.medicalir.com/medical-infrared-imaging-resources/medical-infrared-imaging-general-information/82-the-origin-of-the-term--diti. Retrieved 2009-11-12. 
3. ^ "The Origin of the Term – D.I.T.I.". MedicalIR. http://www.medicalir.com/medical-infrared-imaging-resources/medical-infrared-imaging-general-information/82-the-origin-of-the-term--diti. Retrieved 2009-11-12. 
4. ^ Witt, Brenda. "Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging In Medical Therapy". Here In Maine. http://www.hereinmaine.com/breast-cancer/58735.php. Retrieved 2008-01-15. 
5. ^ "Infrared Technology Aids in Fight Against Swine Flu". Infrared, Inc. Retrieved 2009-09-22.

External links

DITI:

• Picture Your Health
• Meditherm
• Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging In Medical Therapy by Brenda Witt
• Pain Free Breast Imaging (http://painfreebreastimaging.com/what.html)
• Medical Infrared Imaging (http://www.MedicalIR.com)
• FDA Cleared DITI Cameras (http://www.infraredcamerasinc.com/Thermal-Cameras/FDA-Medical-Thermal-Cameras/FDA_Cleared_Medical_Thermal_Imagers.html)
• Core Health Thermography