ABSTRACT
In human thermographic imaging, set and setting are extremely important. Set concerns the preparation of the patient for the exam, and setting encompasses the thermography room, personnel, procedures, positioning, and environment for the patient during the exam. This chapter focuses on the basic environmental conditions and protocols required for clinical human thermography; the design of the thermography room will be explored, including the size of the room, the equipment, and the furniture. Air conditioning and heating requirements and concerns are presented. Considerations for patient comfort are paramount for avoiding psychological artifacts. Patient positioning and necessary equipment are reviewed. Then the guidelines for preparing subjects for infrared imaging are considered. The selection of the proper equilibration temperature for the imaging session is presented. Lastly, factors leading to inadequate imaging interpretation and reporting are discussed. Careful consideration of the guidelines and recommendations laid out in this chapter should provide a solid foundation for the optimal acquisition of thermal images.
