Thermology is a non-invasive medical imaging technique using an infrared camera to detect changes in skin temperature caused by various medical conditions. It can be used for diagnosis and treatment aid and is promoted by professional organizations worldwide. Infrared cameras are also used in other fields, such as firefighting and building assessments.
Thermology is a medical imaging technique in which an infrared camera is used to generate an image of the body or an area of interest. This technique is non-invasive and requires no physical contact with the patient. It can be used as a diagnostic tool for a number of medical conditions and can be performed in a hospital, clinic or doctor’s office, as long as the facility has the necessary equipment.
Infrared imaging of the body can reveal a wealth of interesting information. Many people have noticed that active infections cause the site around the infection to heat up, which will show up on a thermal imaging camera, but they may not be aware that even when there are no physical signs of inflammation or infection, a sensitive infrared it can detect telltale changes in skin temperature that act as a red flag.
Skin temperature is also influenced by the vascular system, nervous system and metabolism. Errors ranging from venous malformations to problems with the area of the brain that regulates body temperature can be detected by a thermology study. Thermology can also be combined with a physiological challenge to gather more information. For example, a patient’s hands or feet could be immersed in cold water and the resulting physical changes could be monitored.
One way to use a thermology study is in diagnosis. The study may reveal a medical problem that may not be visible to the naked eye. For example, in women with breast cancer, changes in body temperature around the breasts may be observed, as a result of changes in the circulatory system related to the malignant growth. Thermology can also be a treatment aid, as in the case of a patient completing a food challenge to explore allergies; a food can cause mild rashes around the face that are only visible on a thermogram.
Several professional organizations dedicated to clinical thermology can be found around the world. These organizations promote research, publish studies, and establish guidelines for the practice of consistent, high-quality thermal imaging. Thermology is just one among a library of imaging tools available to clinicians, but it can be extremely useful.
Infrared cameras are also used in other fields. For example, firefighters use such cameras to identify people inside a burning building, and thermal imaging of buildings can be used to assess electrical problems, determine energy efficiency, and look for other issues of interest.
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