Digitized Infrared Segmental Thermometry: Time Requirements for Stable Recordings
Received 4 July 2005; received in revised form 10 October 2005
Abstract
Objectives
Digitized infrared segmental thermometry (DIST) is a method for measuring and recording skin surface body temperatures. The project evaluated the required length of time for patients to acclimatize their core body temperature to ambient conditions to obtain stable DIST readings.
Methods
Seventeen subjects were allowed a 20-minute acclimatizing period in a temperature-controlled room. The bilateral DIST temperature was measured with thermistors in combination with infrared cameras (IRCs) at the C4 and L4 levels. All IRC temperatures were recorded after a 20-minute stabilization period. The room temperature and relative humidity were recorded throughout all trials. The acclimatization trend was computed from the 20- to 24-minute period for the IRCs, and the acclimatization trend was computed continuously for a total of 30 minutes (at 2-minute intervals) for 5 days.
Results
We discovered a stabilization trend in the early trial stages, with the thermistor recordings between 8 and 16 minutes. The IRC trend was also conclusive for the core temperature requirements.
Conclusions
This study determined a core body temperature acclimatization trend tested among patients using thermistor recordings in a controlled environment. Based on these findings, we recommend acclimatization in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment for a minimum 8-minute period, followed by an 8-minute maximum recording period with the patient in a prone position to obtain accurate DIST recordings.
aUniversité du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Module Chiropratique, CP 500, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada; and Département de Kinanthropologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada
bUniversité du Québec à Montréal, Département de Kinanthropologie, CP 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada
cUniversité du Québec à Montréal, Département de Kinanthropologie, CP 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Submit requests for reprints to: Alain S. Comtois, Département de Kinanthropologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3C 3P8.
Disclaimer: Nothing of value related to this research was received from a commercial entity.
ABSTRACT