What Is Digital Infrared Imaging (DII)?

    DII is a safe, painless, non-invasive, and reliable test that measures the infrared heat emitted from the body’s surface without the use of radiation.

Is DII safe?

 
     DII is totally non-invasive, contains no harmful radiation, and produces no ill effects. This procedure will only detect the heat emitted from the surface of your skin, nothing is put into the body. DII only records body heat, much like the oral thermometer which records core body temperatures.

How does Digital Infrared Imaging work?

     The process of infrared imaging is based on a precise analysis of the body’s surface temperature. Differences in temperature between opposite sites of the body are compared to established normal values much like blood tests are. The significance of these temperature differences may indicate the presence of an injury or disease. This information is then correlated with other examination findings or tests to help the doctor arrive at a working diagnosis.

How is DII performed?

 
      In a special climate controlled room, you will be asked to disrobe the areas to be viewed and remain still for an acclimation period of 15 minutes. The doctor or technician will position you, either standing or seated, in front of a sophisticated infrared camera while images are taken. This information is then sent to a special computer for analysis. The examination itself takes from 10 to 20 minutes to complete.

What is the meant by the term "Paraspinal Digital Infrared Imaging"?

 
      Paraspinal imaging confines the area of examination to the regions located directly next to the spine. Spinal problems can be detected in this region when they are negatively affecting nervous system function. This information helps the doctor to determine if a patient’s spinal dynamics are irritating their nervous system, and evaluate the response of the nervous system after treatment is rendered.

How is paraspinal DII performed? 

 
     In the case of a cervical spine (neck) examination, the acclimation occurs in the waiting room since no disrobing is required. Our entire office is climate controlled to allow for this convenience. The patient simply loosens their collar and removes all jewelry from the neck. If the entire spine is to be imaged, then the patient will acclimate in a treatment room. To perform the paraspinal examination, a hand-held unit is utilized instead of a camera for ease of use and to reduce the cost to the patient. With the patient seated, the doctor will move the paraspinal unit along the spinal region of interest. This information is then sent to a special computer for analysis. This examination takes approximately 5-10 seconds to complete.

What type of training is required to capture and interpret infrared images using a camera?

    Only a doctor who is licensed to diagnose, and who has been board certified by a recognized association, should be interpreting the images. Any individual wishing to perform DII in their office – with the images sent for outside interpretation – should be certified by a recognized association as a clinical thermographic technician.