Pre-Exam Guide

Pre-Imaging Instructions

To ensure that your examination is done properly, and your images reflect an accurate reading please follow the following instructions for all these images. (Breast, Cranial/Dental/Thyroid, Upper Body, Lower Body & Full Body)

  • Do not wear restrictive clothing such as a bra to the exam
  • No prolonged sun exposure (especially sunburn) to the breasts 5 days prior to your exam.
  • No use of lotions, creams, powders, or makeup on the body parts, the day of the exam.
  • No use of deodorants or antiperspirants the day of your exam.
  • No physical stimulation or treatment of the breasts for 24 hours before the exam.
  • No treatment (chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, hot or cold pack use) of the neck, back, chest or breasts for 24 hours before the exam.
  • No exercise 4 hours prior to your exam.
  • No shaving on the day of the exam to avoid skin abrasions.
  • If bathing, it must be no closer than 1 hour before the exam.
  • If you are nursing, please try to nurse as far from 1 hour before the exam as possible.
  • No hot or cold beverages 2 hours prior to imaging. (i.e., No Slurpee’s or hot beverage on the way to your appointment.)
  • Do not drink alcohol 12 hours prior to the test.
  • If you are using pain medications, please avoid taking them for 4 hours prior to the examination.
  • You must consult with your prescribing physician for his/her consent prior to any change in medication use such as this.

Please note:

During the examination you will be disrobed from the waist up for both imaging and to allow for the surface temperature of the body to equilibrate with the room. A female technician will be performing all your imaging.

  • Surgical procedures such as implants, reductions, and biopsies do not interfere with infrared imaging. Breast infrared imaging is perfectly safe to have during pregnancy or when nursing.
  • If you have copies of any other test results (i.e., mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies) please bring them with you.
  • The total time necessary to complete your breast thermography examination is approximately 45 minutes.
  • If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our office at 905-876-3047.

What to Expect

What To Expect During Examination

  • Your initial appointment will take 45-50 minutes.
  • During this time you will complete the breast health questionnaire and a detailed health history.
  • You will then be taken to a private imaging room where you will be asked to disrobe from the waist up in order to become acclimated to the temperature of the room. A female technician will be available to answer any questions.
  • After 15 minutes, the technician will take a series of images including front, lateral, and oblique views.
  • You then will be asked to plunge your hands into cool (10°C or 50°F) water for 60 seconds. This is known as a functional test – cool water will produce a physiological response that will lead to vasoconstriction of your blood vessels.
  • Normal blood vessels will contract and cool down while blood vessels feeding abnormal cells will not since their metabolic rate is much higher. The technician will then repeat the process of taking the images for a before and after view.
  • The image taking itself only takes a couple of minutes.
  • Within approximately 2 weeks, same day reporting provided at head office location, you will return to our office and have the results presented to you in person.
  • You will actually see the images of your breast, learn about any issues, or potential issues you may have, and be given advice on how to improve your health and help prevent breast disease. This follow-up appointment is complementary.
  • COVERAGE – Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover the cost of Thermal Imaging. SOME benefit programs do cover a portion of the cost. i.e. Sunlife may cover up to 80% depending on your Employer. You will need to call them and ask if they cover Thermography. If they say NO, ask if IMAGING is covered in the OTHER category i.e. x-rays from a chiropractor or blood work that you pay for out of pocket first.
  • If you have a Health Spending Account as part of your personal Insurance this is where this Service can be claimed. It is considered Medical Imaging. This service can also be claimed on yearly income tax under Medical Expenses.

Prior to your visit, click the appropriate links to download forms. Fill them
out at home, and bring them with you for your appointment.