Infrared Thermal Imaging (I.R. Camera Thermography) and Regulation Thermography in Medicine

Abstract

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) uses an infrared (IR) camera with chip arrays that receive infrared photons emitted from the skin surface and converts them into electrical impulses. These impulses are then reconstructed as images to show individual heat patterns in different colors that are displayed for interpretation. The camera is typically placed directly in front of the patient and a picture is taken.

One shortcoming of this method involves the oblique aspects of the skin (e.g. side of the breast) which arrive at the camera at a different focal length interfering with wavelength interpretation that may therefore contribute to false positive and negative results. In addition, IR camera images require expert “human” interpretation which is inherently subjective that can result in missed or misinterpreted data further impacting accuracy.

Regulation Thermography uses a hand-held sensor equipped with a germanium crystal that filters the infrared photons. A thermocouple inside the sensor is specifically tuned to the temperature ranges of the human body. The sensor is held at precisely the same angle and distance from the skin for each of the 120 points measured, and the data is evaluated digitally thereby eliminating human subjectivity for increased accuracy. Sophisticated Internet-based ‘signature recognition’ software (an accumulation of 30 years of data that has been clinically corroborated through blood tests, imaging, and pathology find- ings), recognizes signature patterns of physiological disorders in nearly 40 categories.

The software not only identifies the disorder signature, but also indicates the severity of the fulfillment of that signature’s pattern criteria. These advances not only guide physicians in developing targeted treatment strategies, but also address the primary factors leading to false positives and negatives associated with medical thermography in general. Both Infrared Thermal Imaging and Regulation Thermography can play important roles in health assessment and treatment optimization.

Introduction

Medical thermography is a non-invasive, radiation-free physiological test that measures skin temperature and skin temperature differences at focused locations through the use of infrared chip arrays. It provides information that can help identify or clarify disease processes, and is considered an adjunct to conventional imaging tests such as X-Ray, mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.

Infrared Thermal Imaging (IR Camera method) records photon emissions from the skin at a distance of 1-3 meters, while Regulation Thermography (point-temperature measurement method) uses an infra- red, neurologically specific, controlled point, near-proximity (0.5 cm.) sensor that samples 120 points on the body surface and can provide deep tissue and organ information specific to the measured regions as conveyed through the sympathetic nervous system’s signals and response.

The primary objective of this paper is to illustrate that, while both methods are valuable and complementary, by adding Regulation Thermography it helps the physician to:

1. More clearly understand multiple and parallel influences in disease etiology
2. Reveal parallel dysfunctions that may not have been prioritized or realized with conventional imaging methods
3. Direct a more specific treatment strategy

Infrared Thermal Imaging received FDA clearance in 1982. Since Thermal Imaging utilizes a camera that displays an image directly, it easily found a niche in radiological investigations when first introduced. Software improvements in the last 10 years have enhanced its ability to objectify patterns and resolve minute vascular changes, often reflective of angiogenic features of tumors. Interpretation by a trained “thermologist” is typically performed remotely, leading to the creation of a patient report.

Regulation Thermography received FDA clearance in 1997. It takes digitized single-point temperature measurements before and after whole-body expo- sure to a cool-air (room temperature) stimulus, that are then digitally analyzed - within 60 seconds - interpreting patterns of pre-and-post stress behav- ior. Measurements are captured and stored digitally and remain in digital form before being processed through defined computer algorithms. Over 30 years of “disease signature patterns” have been incorporated into ‘expert’ software, that serves as a clinically verified library of point behavior characteristics. A multi-page report (text & images) is generated immediately after the test is completed. Since Regulation Thermography relies primarily on the use of mathematically based signature recognition algorithms (1) (vs. graphical imaging), it’s more appropriate to refer to this science as “Regulation Thermometry” to better define its place as a comple- ment to Infrared Thermal Imaging. From this point forward we will refer to this method as Regulation Thermometry.

(1) Rost, A and Rost, J: Introduction to Regulation Thermography. Hippocrates Press, 1990

How Each Technology Works

Infrared Thermal Imaging uses an infrared camera chip-array to convert infrared radiation emissions into colorized pixels. A visual image, referred to as a thermogram, graphically maps vascular differences and changes using software to improve resolution, and provide potentially enhanced diagnostic information. For example, since there is a high degree of thermal symmetry in a healthy body, subtle temperature variations could be indicative of abnormal tissue changes and possible inflammatory or neoplastic conditions. Some camera methods call for the patient to undergo an autonomic response challenge by way of cold water exposure of the hands or whole-body cool air exposure ‘before and after’ imaging. This is referred to as dynamic thermography (a key feature of the Regulation Thermometry measurement process).

Regulation Thermometry utilizes the biological phenomena of nerve innervations from organs, glands, lymph, teeth & brain to the skin’s sub-cutaneous capillaries via the sympathetic nervous system’s spinal reflex-arc, thereby neurologi- cally accessing characteristics of the tissue and organ ‘regulation capacity’.

Reflexive relationships between segmental parts

(modified after Hansen and Schliack):

Case Study: 60 Year Old Female with Possible DCIS and Viral Presence

A 6o-year old female with a family history of breast cancer and a personal history of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma.) presents at the clinic with a set of sequential Infrared Camera breast images evaluated to reflect a minor risk for malignant dis- ease (TH-3F). Two hyperthermic (hot) spots appear on each breast, indicative of probable acute hyper-metabolic activity or a mammary duct infection (Exhibit 1). She was advised to return for a third test in 6 months for further clarification of risk category.

The patient was anxious about the prospects of further aggressive diagnostic procedures such as biopsy, contrast MRI, etc. She was also seeking recommendations for proactive steps she could take to address the findings, since the image resolu- tion of the abnormality in temperature characteristics was not significant enough to determine a definitive course of appropriate action. The IR camera consultation suggested possible DCIS and a viral presence, but with no further direction for therapeutic intervention. Status was clearly stable and not indicative of a progressive disorder. Although the IR Camera method was able to show diminished risk, the data set was unable to identify any deeper causal and/or related surrounding dysfunctions. This is a clear example of where anatomical resolution revealed abnormalities, but without functional resolu- tion to reveal the surrounding influences and physiological dynamics, a treatment strategy could not be determined.

Details of the Case Study

Breast points were sampled before and after a cool-air stress was applied to the whole body. The before and after tem- perature measurements appearing on the accompanying graph are color coded to facilitate accurate point behavior assessment by the practitioner, and thereby help to eliminate subjective conclusions. (Exhibit 2).

In this particular case, most points were hyper-regulating, which is a pattern con- sistent with a toxic burden to the tissue, often present in DCIS. The breasts were symmetrical (same temperature) and there was a mild temperature increase at the same areas identified by the Infrared Camera method. This is indicated by appearance of the first measurement values above the 34.5°C baseline (Exhibit 2).

Normally the first measurement values should always be below the baseline. In addition to symmetrical assessment and identification of hot spots, Regulation Thermometry’s intelligent software objectively qualifies other abnormalities in the thermogram to reveal an entire picture that enables the physician to properly stage the patient and address underlying problems in an intelligent manner.

A reconstructed visual synthesis of the point behavior helps communicate additional information.

Here, in Exhibit 3, the behavior of the points (mostly hyper-reactive, becoming too cold during a normal stress exposure) appear dark-blue, instead of the normal/ideal light blue.

Next, criteria contributing to possible pathology are constructed from established algorithms and 30 years of cumulative breast cancer patient data.

Here, in Exhibit 4, only 2 of 12 abnormal breast criteria (factors) are met.

One is a lymph-involvement (Tonsil-Lymph block) and the other is a breast disorder ‘index’ elevation (Breast disorder elevated) - representing deviations from more consistent point behavior within all breast measurement points.

Regulation Thermometry provides a multi-dimensional interface for the physician. Not only can signa- tures for disordered physiology be resolved, but the severity of those signature-disorders is analyzed as well. This can provide the basis for creation of a strategic ‘map’ that physicians can use to prioritize appropriate treatment protocols. 

Distant Focal Infection: Dental Analysis Using Regulation Thermometry

Referring back to the regulation thermometry report we find a right side tonsillar block on the graph (Exhibit 6A) and a breast-related tooth in the dental analysis (Exhibit 7B) was identified by the regulation thermometry data, shown below:

Exhibit 7 (B & C)

In the dental thermogram, teeth that are proximal to each other and have differing behaviors or tempera- tures than their neighboring teeth can be reflective of periodontal or microbial infections and problems. Here, tooth 4 behaves in an OPPOSITE way than its neighbors (C) and is identified with a ‘speckled’ appearance (B).

A Brief Discussion of Accuracy

Infrared Camera Thermal Imaging: Accuracy can be affected by varying camera distances and oblique angles to skin- surface. Evaluation is based upon color gradients processed from a camera with a typical accuracy of +/-2% with a reso- lution sensitivity of .01 - .10°C. Though lateral views help to alleviate this oblique distortion, improvements could be made by creating a sweeping panoramic view that continuously records data from various angles. Accuracy is also dependent on the skill and knowledge of the interpreter (thermologist). Many IR Camera training programs are sufficient, however the inherent subjectivity and potential for human bias remains. In addition, a dynamic IR camera thermogra- phy method frequently used requires hand-immersion into ice water. This method has been proven to vary from per- son to person, therefore rendering the dynamic information unreliable.

IR Camera optical resolution is excellent. However, the adjunct diagnostic value of the final output differs between infrared cameras. Cameras that incorporate calibration between the chips in the IR chip array are more accurate than the majority of cameras available in North America. Resolution specifications do not necessarily mean greater accuracy. Chip arrays that are calibrated to the human body and between themselves (currently offered by only one or two manufacturers) are far superior even at lower resolutions (320 x 240) than high resolution non-inter-calibrated chip-arrayed cameras. Unfortunately, some infrared cameras being used for human breast assessment are industrial-grade versus medical grade, contributing to false positive and false negative results.

Conclusion

As this case demonstrates, both Infrared Camera thermography and Regulation Thermometry have their place in investigative medicine. Optical resolution (camera method) visualizes surface areas and allows surveillance of vascular phenomena parallel to neoplastic appearance and development. Informational resolution (Regulation Thermometry) utilizes verified patterns of body regions connected through neurological mechanisms and physiology that pertain to development and concurrent factors involved in degenerative diseases.

More About Regulation Thermometry ...

Direct skin surface temperature measurement results in increased accuracy by maintaining both exact diameter and distance to the skin and perpendicularity to the skin surface. Evaluation is based on numerical temperature change measurements with a precision of +/- 0.4 % with a resolution sensitivity of .01-.05° C. Computerized interpretation of dynamic digital values, utilizing 30 years of clinically verified empirical results, reducing subjectivity and the potential for human bias in interpretation. Pattern recognition algorithms aid the physician in consistent identification of abnormali- ties. Server-side software is continuously updated to take full advantage of ongoing research. Cooling is performed by passive exposure to ambient air, a method proven to be valid and independent of individual dynamics.

TESTING PROCEDURES

Infrared Thermal Imaging: Room Temperature Requirement: Between 18° and 22° C. (64.4° to 71.6° F)

Typical Scanning Procedure: Patient spends 5-10 minutes undressed to the waist to cool breasts to room tempera- ture, then sits on a stool located 3-7 feet from the camera. The hands are held behind the head while a trained technician takes several images.

Test Results: Thermal scans are sent to an interpretation service where they are read by certified thermologists. Interpreters use software to compare temperature changes in various ways:

• breast comparison, side-to-side

• in specific areas such as part of a breast

• to identical areas on the other breast, or to the same area in an image taken previously.

A patient report is typically available 1 to 7 days after the scan, depending upon the service, and can be expedited for an additional fee.

Regulation Thermometry: Room Temperature Requirement:  Between 19.5° - 22°C (67° – 72° F)

First Measurements: Patient stands and gradually disrobes as a trained technician uses the infrared probe to take the first temperature measurements at 120 points on the body, including breast and teeth.

10 Minute Cooling Period: The patient stands disrobed to their underwear to initiate the autonomic response to the cold stimulus before the second measurements are taken.

Second Measurements: The 120 temperature measurements are repeated.

Test Results: The system software graphs the temperature readings in pairs consisting of first and second readings for each point. This data is then sent via secure internet connection to a central server where a fuzzy-logic computerized analysis identifies patterns of dysfunction that, through extensive clinical research, have been associated with disorders and disease processes. A multi-page text and image report is available immediately after a 30-minute test procedure.

At Alfa, our goal is to revolutionize it.

In order to create true health, one needs to see trends in physiological function before they manifest into pathology.

To do this, practitioners must have:

• A way to open a new window on tissue and organ function and effects in the disease process, systemically.
  Therefore, we go from specialization to a generalist “birds-eye-view” understanding, and...

• An ability to track patient progress sensitively.

The Alfasight simplifies both of these points, and more. 
For example, it can help you easily determine whether a variety of health issues stem from a Dental or Systemic/Organ cause. 

With pathology (cellular/metabolic disease) there are always contributing, parallel systems involved to summate an overall diagnostic criteria. These multiple systemic contributing factors are easily seen by way of the AlfaSight 9000 technology.

• A colitis may be an extension or effect of an infected tooth.
• Cognitive disorders may be stimulated by chronic dysbiosis - often by a fungal disorder.

The AlfaSight can indirectly SEE those influences since their signals are sent through the sympathetic nerves and reflect in the dynamic changes in skin temperature within their own neurological projection zones (Head Zones were clearly mapped by the famous English neurologist Henry Head).

Finally, scientific, reproducible and neurologically-based physiological medicine at your fingertips, all NON-invasive, 20 minutes, with instantaneous reporting (6 page report).

You can clearly identify contributing factors thus aiding in strategies to obtain maximized progress towards health.

For purchase and more questions, contact:

Sales Team +1 (866) 652-6600 x2, or
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For International callers +1 (831) 245-0588.
 

The AlfaSight 9000 is a clear revenue-generating workstation. You could be away on vacation while your office schedules up to 8 thermo tests per day, equivalent to around $2000+ per day, - and when you return, you have a complete reflection of the dynamics of each patient’s individualized health, thus enabling immediate strategizing or follow-on tests that are directed at the most crucial imbalances.
You don’t waste time chasing a disease to its cause over months or even years.
You KNOW IT with the FIRST 20-minute scan.

Comparison Table of Regulation Thermometry (AlfaSight) with Conventional Assessment Methods            © Dr. Daniel Beilin, 2018