Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is DITI?
A: Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging or DITI is an imaging technique for displaying and measuring body temperature. It is an adjunctive tool in the detection of disease, injury, and infection. There is a high degree of symmetry in a normal healthy body. Subtle abnormal temperature asymmetries can be easily identified and may indicate pathology or dysfunction.

Q: Do I need my doctor’s referral?
A: No, Knoxville Thermography, LLC sees patients who are both self and physician referred.

Q: How do I prepare for my DITI scan?
A: Preparing is simple, but crucial to the accuracy of your results.
– No Smoking for a minimum of 2 hrs. before apt.
-No Vigorous Exercise 2 hrs. prior to apt.
– No Massage, Chiropractic Adjustments, or Physical Therapy the day of the scan.
-Avoid the application of liniments, creams/lotions, including but not limited to perfume or cologne.
-Avoid strong sunlight the day of your apt and sunburn in the days preceding your apt.
-Remove all jewelry and earrings
-Long hair should be worn up.
-Wear loose clothing to your apt. The thermography scan will be delayed until irritation marks in the skin caused by tight-fitting garments have dissipated.

Q: How long does the imaging process take?
A: DITI scan can be as little as 15 minutes and last as long as 60 minutes. This will depend on whether you are getting a single region of interest or a whole-body scan.

Q: Why do I need to come back in three months for another breast scan?
A: The most accurate result we can produce changes over time. Once we establish an accurate baseline, we can evaluate any changes. Your baseline will represent your thermal fingerprint, which will only be altered by a developing pathology. To establish a baseline, we need to see a normal pattern. We have no way of knowing this until we compare your 2nd study. By comparing two studies three months apart we can judge if your breast physiology is stable and suitable to be used as your normal baseline and safe for continued annual imaging. It is important to note, that no single breast imaging modality is 100%. DITI should be used in conjunction with structural testing such as mammograms, Ultrasound, and MRI as part of your breast health regime.
The reason a 3-month interval is used relates to the period of time it takes for blood vessels to show change. There is no substitute for establishing an accurate baseline.

Q: What is the difference between a thermal scan, a mammogram, and an ultrasound?
A: DITI is a test of physiology used as an adjunct tool to Mammogram, Ultrasound, and MRI. It detects and records the infrared heat radiating from the surface of the body. It can help in EARLY discovery and observation of abnormal physiology associated with a developing pathology. Mammograms and ultrasounds are tests of structure and anatomy. When a tumor has grown to a size that is large enough and dense enough to block an x-ray beam (mammography) or a sound wave (ultrasound), it produces an image that can be detected by a trained radiologist. A mammogram, ultrasound, or DITI cannot diagnose cancer. This is possible only through a biopsy.

Q: What is “cold stress?” Do I really need to do it?
A: Cold stressing is a test to measure sympathetic function. It is a useful test for a number of conditions including Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Aka Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It may be requested by a referring physician or reading Thermologist. Modern protocols for breast imaging do not require cold stressing.

Q: Who certifies your Thermographers?
A: Thermology technicians are trained and certified by the American College of Clinical Thermology (ACCT). ACCT is an accredited medical association.

Q: Who reads the images and reports:
A: Thermal images are sent to an interpretation service that employs only Medical Doctors (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) who are all board-certified as Thermologists by the American College Of Clinical Thermology.

Q: How quickly will I get my report back?
A: Reports are normally ready within a few days and generally emailed to you and the practitioner of your choice. Should you require a paper copy of your report or if you need your report within 24 hours you will be required to pay an additional fee.

Q: Insurance?
A: We do not currently accept insurance. Payment will be made to Knoxville Thermography, LLC at the time services are rendered.