Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 19, 2025
05:12
Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome
Published on: September 19, 2019
6.8K
Why Temperature Screening for Coronavirus Disease 2019 With Noncontact Infrared Thermometers Does Not Work
William F Wright1, Philip A Mackowiak2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|January 28, 2021
Summary
Temperature screening for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) aids patient evaluation and limits viral spread. Optimizing this process requires considering individual, environmental factors, and the fever threshold.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Control
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Temperature screening is a key strategy for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) detection.
- Fever is a common early symptom, making temperature checks crucial for case identification.
- Screening large patient groups reduces healthcare exposure and viral transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of temperature screening in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) detection.
- To identify critical factors influencing the accuracy of temperature screening.
- To propose improvements for optimal temperature-based screening protocols.
Main Methods:
- Review of current temperature screening practices for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- Analysis of individual and environmental factors affecting temperature measurements.
- Evaluation of existing fever thresholds and their outcomes.
Main Results:
- Temperature screening offers a scalable method for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case detection.
- Accuracy is influenced by individual physiology and environmental conditions.
- Current fever thresholds may require adjustment for optimal sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) screening necessitates a comprehensive approach.
- Consideration of individual and environmental factors is vital for accurate temperature-based detection.
- Revisiting the standard fever threshold could enhance screening efficacy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
828
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
828
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
923
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
923
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
1.1K
Here are the steps to accurately measure oral temperature using an electronic thermometer:
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
1.1K
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
8.8K
Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
8.8K
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
1.5K
Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
1.5K
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
2.6K
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
2.6K