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Screening for fever by remote-sensing infrared thermographic camera
Lung-Sang Chan1, Giselle T Y Cheung, Ian J Lauder
1Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Journal of Travel Medicine
|November 17, 2004
Summary
Remote-sensing infrared thermography (IRT) can effectively screen for fever in travelers. Ear IRT at 0.5m provides the most reliable temperature estimates for public health screening.
Area of Science:
- Thermography
- Public Health
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Following the SARS outbreak, infrared thermography (IRT) was proposed for fever screening in travelers.
- Its practical application and optimal configuration for mass screening remained unestablished.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of IRT for identifying febrile individuals.
- To determine the optimal instrumental setup and validity of IRT for fever detection.
Main Methods:
- 176 subjects were recruited, including hospital inpatients, clinic attendees, and healthy volunteers.
- Remotely sensed IRT readings were taken from the face at 0.5m and 1.5m, compared with conventional temperature measurements.
- Data analyzed using linear regression, correlation, and sensitivity analyses.
Main Results:
- Optimal correlation between conventional and IRT temperatures was observed from the ear at 0.5m (r=0.79).
- Forehead IRT readings were 1-2°C lower and less correlated.
- Ear IRT at 0.5m predicted temperatures ≤38°C with 83% sensitivity and 88% specificity.
Conclusions:
- IRT from the ear at 0.5m offers reliable, precise, and consistent body temperature estimates.
- Findings support the use of walk-through IRT systems for fever screening at airports and border crossings.