Non-essential shops going back into business are clambering for effective methods of monitoring the health of incoming staff. As facilities lift bans on visitation and loosen their grip on social distancing measures, healthcare organizations are looking into maximizing the use of thermal cameras, which detect elevated body temperatures.
The Science Behind Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras are an infrared technology that calibrates against “black body” accessories to determine whether a subject is infected with COVID-19. Though not everyone with a fever is infected with the virus, it is the primary indicator of a compromised immune system.
As such, thermal solutions are boosting precautionary measures while simultaneously providing peace of mind. Because thermal technology enables the monitoring of multiple people without ever having to make direct contact, screening checkpoints can reduce wait times.
In a single healthcare facility, infrared cameras can evaluate over 10,000 patients, staffers, and community members that enter and exit each day. Screeners can also remain socially distanced from the individuals they’re analyzing.
Thermal Cameras Provide Instant Results
Before thermal technology, facilities turning to manual temperature-taking became subject to resource depletion. On average, a single healthcare institution must appoint up to 30 employees to oversee one entrance at a time.
Now, thermal cameras reduce this number to a mere two employees—an attendant and a security guard. Along with facial recognition, this technology scans up to 14 faces simultaneously and emits a visual and audible alarm on scans with body temperatures above 99 degrees. The person then has to undergo a second scan and is sent to a health station for additional screening if the temperature reads the same.
Thermal technology has since enabled non-invasive screening processes that prioritize the health of both the screener and patient. It also puts worrisome patients at ease, as these cameras are hardly noticeable.
A Case Study: the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
In March of 2020, it took the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center at least four to twelve temperature-taking staffers at each entrance to evaluate a collective 6,000 people passing through. The effort held up lines, leading the center to employ thermal cameras in two of its highest-traffic areas.
At $10,000 each, the cameras capture black bodies and individuals in the same frame. It then reads the skin temperature according to retinal scans, as the facial area most accurately reflects the core temperature.
When a patient reads over 99.3 degrees, Memorial Hermann-TMC uses a handheld infrared camera or temporal thermometer to confirm the temperature. If it remains the same or higher, the individual is not allowed into the premises.
The Truth About Thermal Scanners
Unfortunately, thermal cameras are not foolproof. Even after signs of a fever, it can take up to 14 days for an individual to demonstrate signs of COVID-19, given that they aren’t asymptomatic.
A fever is only one indicator of COVID-19, and it isn’t a definitive one. Not everyone inflicted with the virus will develop a fever or even multiple symptoms.
Conclusion
Still, thermal imaging is one step closer to a more efficient and productive screening process for hospitals and other facilities alike. As more establishments equip themselves with thermal cameras, individuals can isolate themselves as soon as they demonstrate any fever signs.
For more on how the healthcare industry is progressing during COVID-times, visit Dose of Healthcare. Learn how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe by staying updated.
