Universal Serial Bus (USB) or Ethernet wire transfer requires

plugging a cable from the imager directly into the computer (not
through a router or hub), then directing the software to transfer
the images. This connection is secure as it is a dedicated point-topoint line.
Images on the imager may also be deleted through the
wired interface, however. Such an accidental deletion is one way
to completely lose image files.
Wireless (Wi-Fi) transfer is convenient as long as the connection works properly.
There may be a problem initiating or maintaining a connection, especially in the
event of imager software
updates, Wi-Fi router problems, or computer system changes. The
possibility of medical files being hacked or copied is ever-present
in any wireless communication. As with a USB connection, the
original files on the imager may be deleted by a command sent
over the Wi-Fi connection; caution is advised to prevent the deletion of non-
replaceable files.
If file transfer by Wi-Fi is activated on the imager, the USB connection may not
work, or vice versa. Other problems may arise
from both hardware and software. It is advisable to set the imager
to store the image files on a removable physical memory, such as
an SD card or USB memory stick. This removable memory can
then be used to perform a manual image transfer in case other
connections fail.
For transfer of the thermography clinic�s patient files for offsite backup and
interpretation, automatically encrypting USB
hard-disk drives can hold patient files safely. Even if stolen, these
drives are unreadable without the passcode. Encrypted email
may also be used to transfer patient files for off-site interpretation. File
storage and sharing through an internet server (�the
cloud�) should only be used if all files are encrypted before
uploading. Thermographers should always maintain safe backup
copies of all patient files because there is always the possibility
that an employee may delete or alter files either accidentally or
deliberately.
Standard imager care tips
� Protect the imager from marked heat or cold. Recommended
imager storage temperatures are typically -4�F to +122�F
(-20 to +50�C). Because these temperatures may be
exceeded in a vehicle during winter or summer conditions, bring the imager indoors
whenever confronted with
extreme temperatures.
� Use the thermal imager only after it has been equilibrated
to room temperature to avoid errors from temperature offset drift.
� Protect the imager from mechanical shock or drops. Keep
the imager in a safe area or protective case when not in use,
especially during transportation.
� Never expose the imager lens to sunlight or powerful laser
light; common laser pointer beams will not damage the imager.
When not in use, attach a lens cap to protect the valuable lens.
� The shutter is normally OPEN, thus the delicate microbolometer is always exposed
to focused incoming thermal
radiation which may damage the VOx leaflets.
� Industrial-grade imagers can usually withstand direct sunlight into the lens,
though temporary image �ghosting� may
occur. Damage to the imaging chip is possible.
� Remove or change the imager lens only in dry, dust-free,
and low-infrared conditions. When the lens is removed,
the infrared-transparent window of the microbolometer
chip is fully exposed.
� Carefully clean the infrared lens, viewing screen, and
visible camera lens occasionally as advised in the imager
instructions.
SIDEBAR 3.1 INFRARED IMAGING
AND FDA APPROVAL
Just as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not
dictate to an individual medical practitioner which digital camera and display
program may be used for evaluating, documenting, or following the visual appearance
of a medical problem,
FDA should not require listing of a properly calibrated 10-�m
thermal imager and its standard display software for the evaluation, documentation,
or follow-up of the infrared appearance
of a medical problem. Actually, the FDA has been concerned
less with thermal imagers than with practitioners promoting
thermography as a stand-alone diagnostic method. The agency
considers any thermal imaging system intended for standalone use in diagnostic
screening a Class III (highly regulated)
device, requiring a massive amount of clinical data and studies
for approval. To date, no infrared imaging system has met this
regulatory requirement.26 The FDA approved breast thermography devices in 1982 only
for use on an adjunctive basis with
mammography and other diagnostic modalities, not as a standalone tes