Perform the Scan

All scans are conducted from their respective scan screens, which allow you to control the instrument and see the data that is being collected in real time.

There are a few things to keep in mind when performing a rolling scan:

• Make sure that the sensors do not make contact with the skin during the scan. The sensors are embedded in the wheel blocks and detect radiant, not contact heat from the skin.
• The angle of collection should be as close to 90 degrees as possible throughout the scan. With scoliotic patients, follow the tilted shape of the spine.
• The system will show “collecting” or “stable” on both left and right sensors. When both sensors are stable a small beep will alert the examiner to pull the trigger. This can be visually prompted as well (See Fig. 1).
• Your scan speed is monitored and you will be alerted if you need to adjust your scanning pace.
• You can follow the thermal line on the scanning screen as the data is collected up to C2.
• Position the neuroTHERMAL at S1, perpendicular to the spine. Wait for prompt to “begin test”.
• Roll the scanner slowly up the spine, following the contours of the spine ensuring that the scanner remain perpendicular to all segments and regions.
• Pull the trigger one time at the locations when prompted. After S1 there will be prompts at L1, T1 and C2, unless you have chosen to remove the clicks at L1 and T1.
• At the prompt “C1 Left” position the LEFT sensor at the fossa region. Minimize any hair interruption in this scanning region. Listen for the beep, assuring normalized temperature. Pull trigger once when sensor is positioned correctly. You will be asked to verify your reading to ensure the temperature is in an acceptable range. You may redo the segment or continue scanning (Fig. 2).
• The prompt “C1 Right” will occur after “C1 Left”. Position the RIGHT sensor over the right fossa region. Minimize any hair interruption in this scanning region. Pull trigger once when sensor is positioned correctly. You will be asked to verify your reading to ensure the temperature is in an acceptable range. You may redo the segment or continue scanning (Fig. 2).

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

There are a few things to keep in mind when performing a segmental scan:

• Place the sensors at the prompted level. DO NOT touch the skin with the sensor. It detects radiant heat energy, not contact heat energy. Use the eyebrows as your distance guide.
• The angle of collection should be as close to 90 degrees as possible throughout the scan.
• The system will show “collecting” or “stable” on both left and right sensors. When both sensors are stable a small beep will alert the examiner to pull the trigger. This can be visually prompted as well.
• At any segment, a “Redo Segment” button can be pressed which will prompt the examiner to re-scan the previous segment.