Non-contact thermography

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Non-contact thermography is a method of measuring temperature from a distance, without needing to make physical contact with the object being measured. This technique is often used in medical applications, where it can provide valuable information about the body's thermal patterns.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Non-contact thermography, also known as infrared thermography, uses infrared radiation to detect and measure temperature. This method is non-invasive and can provide a detailed thermal map of the body, which can be useful in diagnosing various medical conditions.

Applications in Medicine[edit | edit source]

In the medical field, non-contact thermography is used in a variety of ways. It can be used to detect fever in patients, as a higher body temperature can indicate an infection or illness. It is also used in the detection of breast cancer, as cancerous tissues often exhibit higher temperatures than surrounding healthy tissues.

Non-contact thermography can also be used in the diagnosis of vascular diseases, as changes in blood flow can affect the temperature of the skin. In addition, it can be used to monitor the healing of wounds and burns, as these areas often exhibit different thermal patterns than healthy skin.

Advantages and Limitations[edit | edit source]

One of the main advantages of non-contact thermography is that it is non-invasive, meaning it does not require any physical contact with the patient. This makes it a safe and comfortable method of temperature measurement. It can also provide a detailed thermal map of the body, which can provide valuable information for diagnosis.

However, non-contact thermography also has some limitations. It can be affected by environmental factors, such as ambient temperature and humidity. It also requires a clear line of sight to the object being measured, and cannot measure temperature through clothing or other obstructions.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Non-contact thermography Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD