The outbreak of the Covid-19 virus has presented a huge challenge and a race to adapt existing technologies and innovate and deploy newer ones. The use of thermal imaging has been in particular focus, with sales of thermal imaging cameras increasing dramatically. As you may have read or seen in the news, many high profile organisations are starting to use this technology as the first line of defence scanning for elevated body temperature, for example Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 have just announced they will start the trial for thermal heat detection for all passengers who enter the UK.
What is thermal imaging?
A thermal imaging camera works by detecting and measuring the infrared radiation emanating from objects – in other words, their heat signature, which lets you see how much heat its radiating compared to objects around it.
Thermal screening cameras can:
- Automatically Detect surface skin temperature on a non-contact basis
- Indicate if that detected temperature falls outside of the pre-configured range, providing a first line of screening
- Screen a high volume of people in a short timeframe
As the forehead is a good place to measure they are susceptible to environmental influences. They are impacted by a number of factors such as head coverings and hats. For example, if someone takes off a hat before screening, you’ll see a warm band across the forehead, which could trigger a false alarm.
Whilst this technology could be helpful for screening and detect elevated body temperature, it is common to see body temperature differ from person to person due to activity level, diet, gender, ethnicity, and age. It is also perfectly normal to see body temperature differ on an individual basis due to time of day. Also, most systems have variances, even in perfect conditions, of plus or minus 0.3 degrees Centigrade at best. Such a variance can put you ‘in’ the fever zone or more importantly preclude you from it.
Please Note: While thermal imaging/infrared cameras could be helpful for screening, thermal imaging only measures skin temperature and not internal temperature thus not sufficient for an actual diagnosis.
For more information on our Elevated Body Temperature solutions, please contact 01252 339 039
