Thermology is an evaluation of the levels, patterns and behavior of the skin's temperature.  To achieve a meaningful evaluation, you should avoid conditions that would cause adverse influences.  When you make your appointment, we will instruct you how to fill out our case history as well as sending you a link to the following instructions which we call the Preparation Instructions, ensuring an accurate study. NOTE: the items in red below are the ones most often forgotten!

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Medical Procedures

• You must wait at least three (3) months after breast surgery, including any biopsies, the completion of chemotherapy or radiation before a thermology examination. 

• You must not have had any fever within thirty-six (36) hours of the examination.

• You must avoid ultrasound or mammogram or clinical physical examination of the breasts for at least three (3) days prior to a thermogram (if having on the same day, have your thermography appointment first).

• Avoid MRI with contrast (dye) of the breast three (3) days prior to a scan. Without contrast wait 24 hours for your scan.

 

Activities to Avoid

• You are asked to avoid any natural or artificial tanning of your chest for two-three (2-3) days prior to the study date.

• You should refrain from hot yoga, sauna, steam-room or hot/cold packs in contact with the breasts for at least twenty-four (24) hours. 

• You are asked to refrain from exercise, bathing or showering for one hour prior to examination.

 

Medications, Tobacco, Alcohol and Nicotine Use

• With your doctor's permission: Avoid use of the following medications for twelve (12) hours prior to the examination:               

  • Nitroglycerin

  • Niacin, Niacin Patch (500 milligrams or more)

  • Any Migraine Medications 

• You are asked to refrain from any tobacco use two, alcohol or tobacco (2) hours prior to the examination.

 

Clothing and Personal Care 

• There should be no bruising, rashes or skin irritation in the breast area on the day of the study. 

• Please refrain from using deodorants, creams, powders or lotions that may cause an inflammation in the breast area on the day of the study.

• If you are breastfeeding, please empty the breasts 30-60 minutes before the appointment.

• For your comfort, we recommend that you wear a pullover or button-down shirt.

 

Food, Drink and Environmental

• You will be asked to acclimate, disrobed from the waist up, for approximately fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scan process while we review your case history. To begin the acclimation process, while in the waiting room please remove coats or sweaters especially if you have come in from extreme cold or warm temperatures.

• Please refrain from bringing any beverages with you on the date of your appointment (avoids exposure to cold or hot).

• Please refrain from the consumption of caffeinated coffee, tea or any other caffeinated products, nicotine or alcohol, for two hours prior to the breast scan.

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This may seem like a lengthy list of conditions to avoid.  However, we have determined that each of them has the  potential to decrease the reliability of your study.  Please contact us to reschedule your appointment if you have compromised any of these conditions.  We would rather reschedule you to another appointment date than redo your study and incur an additional fee.

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AFTER BOOKING YOUR APPOINTMENT

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If you haven’t received our TWO emails after you have booked your appointment or you have questions not covered here, please contact our office at 248.593.8700.