A new way of detecting and monitoring disease and injury has been introduced to New Zealand offering people a non-invasive and radiation-free option for assisting medical diagnosis.

Meditherm Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging is new to New Zealand although it has been widely available in Australia and the United States for a number of years. The procedure utilises the latest digital infrared technology and involves taking a heat image or thermogram of the whole body or of an area of interest. The digital thermal images are stored on a computer before being read by a doctor who is qualified to interpret the thermal scan and write a report for the patient and/or their family doctor.

The technology has been introduced to New Zealand by Meditherm NZ. They say the procedure has the potential to save lives.

"Infrared thermal imaging is an excellent diagnostic tool for a range of injuries and conditions. For example, it can help to identify breast cancer at a very early stage when the cancer is smaller than a grain of rice. As an early detection procedure is an excellent complement to mammograms and other diagnostic tools."

It is especially useful for younger women and those unable to have mammograms.

Meditherm NZ say infrared thermal imaging can also help in the diagnoses of back and muscle injuries, stress fractures, arthritic disorders and sprains and strains.

"Many people suffer with undiagnosed pain. As well as the physical effects they may suffer emotional distress when no one believes or understands their condition. Infrared thermal imaging literally takes a picture of pain thereby helping diagnosis."

Infrared thermal imaging has a number of advantages. It is non-invasive because there is no absolutely no contact with the body. The scanning procedure is painless and radiation-free. It is no more complicated than taking an ordinary photograph. The rigorous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has approved infrared thermal imaging as a diagnostic tool.