A Comprehensive Guide to Thermal Imaging Systems – Infrared Thermographic Systems

Since we all have started working in corona crises, certain tele thermographic systems are employed as the infection control gate used to measure surface skin temperature. 

These thermal cameras for fever detection are getting popular because these systems are non-contact infrared thermometers to use different forms of infrared technology to measure temperature.

Thermal Imaging Systems and COVID-19

In most cases, when used in the right manner, these thermal imaging systems generally show an accurate measure of the surface skin temperature without getting in contact with the concerned person. Thermal imaging systems offer certain benefits over other methods need contact or a closer proximity to measure temperature. However, temperature-based screening cannot determine whether the person is suffering from COVID-19 because a person with COVID-19 doesn’t need to have a fever. A designated test must be performed to determine if someone has COVID-19. Today, thermal imaging systems are being used all around the world to use their information to avoid the spread of coronavirus disease.

Benefits of Thermal Imaging Systems

The individual who handles the thermal imaging system should be anyway physically close to the person who is to be evaluated. It would be better if the person who handles the thermal imaging system could be in a different room or area. Many scientific studies show that when used correctly, these thermal imaging systems for thermal temperature detection measure surface skin temperature accurately when operated correctly.

Limitations of Thermal Imaging Systems

These systems may be in use for initial temperature assessment to triage individuals in the areas of high throughput such as airports, businesses and sporting events, etc. The systems are found to be ineffective if used to measure the temperature of multiple people at the same time. Hence, they should never be used for ‘mass fever screening.’

As these systems encourage contactless measurement of the temperature, unlike the systems that measure the temperature orally, the operator needs to adjust the thermal imaging systems properly to get the difference in measurement. 

For making them work effectively, the entire following should be true:

• They should be used in the right environment/location.
• These thermal systems should be set up and operated correctly.
• The person being assessed is prepared according to instructions.
• The person handling the thermal imaging system is adequately trained.

Proper Use of Thermal Imaging Systems

The operator of such Thermal cameras for fever detection system should follow all manufacturer’s instructions to make sure is appropriately set and located where it can measure surface skin temperature accurately. If he is not sure of the details, then the following are the standards and scientific papers listed below:

• The ideal room temperature should be 68-76 °F (20-24 °C) and relative humidity 10% -50 %.

• Try and control the factors that could impact the temperature measurement:

• Steer clear of reflective backgrounds such as glass, mirrors, and metallic surfaces if you wish to minimize reflected infrared radiation.

• It would be better if these systems are fitted in the room with no draft (air movement), away from direct sunlight and out of the radiant heat such as portable heaters, electrical sources.

• Prevent the usage of intense lighting such as incandescent, halogen, quartz tungsten halogen light bulbs.

Preparing the Thermal Imaging System

• Some systems do require the calibrated blackbody usage during the evaluation process to make sure measurements are accurate. The operator needs to go through the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly to determine if a calibrated blackbody is needed. It is done because some devices do not require a calibrated blackbody.

• Turn on the entire system 30 minutes before use to warm it up.

Using the Thermal Imaging System

• Measuring one person at a time is utmost critical.

• Follow the manufacturer’s guide to position the person at a fixed distance from the thermal imaging system, directly facing the camera.

• If a calibrated body is being used, then along with it, the image area should include the whole face of the person.

• In case, the operator notices an increase in temperature; you should also employ a different method to confirm the temperature rise. Here, public health officials can be your ally in determining whether that fever is a sign of COVID-19 infection.

• It is essential to assess whether the system will provide the intended results even in the high throughput areas. It is acknowledged that these devices are being used for initial temperature detection and triage of individuals for elevated temperatures in medical and non-medical environments. Do not use these systems for mass fever screening.

Posted: 23,11,2020