Using Thermal Imaging Cameras as a first line of defence in your health facility

Can thermal imaging cameras be used to detect or diagnose a virus or an infection?

Simply put, the quick answer is no. Still, thermal imaging cameras can be used as a tool to screen body temperature and detect people with Elevated Body Temperature (EBT).

In light of the ongoing global COVID-19 outbreak, aged care and health facilities are now seeking tools and technology to help slow and stop the spread of the virus. They are also planning how best to protect their staff and residents from the ‘second wave’ of infections. Now, with strict measures in place and increased demand for better monitoring, all health facilities should be monitoring residents, staff and visitor’s temperature in high-traffic areas through quick individual screening.

Most health facilities agree that there should be restricted and tighter pedestrian controls, limited numbers of entry doors and a formal visitor check-in process in the future.

There are many options for achieving essential safety improvements. Thermal Imaging Cameras are an excellent first line of defence for the following reasons:

Minimise risk through early detection and prevention

The early detection and isolation of a COVID-19 case will assist in minimising the risk of disease spread of the virus. A practical approach is using thermal imaging cameras in the facility to detect if someone has an elevated temperature.  By doing this, facilities can minimise risk through early detection and isolation of unwell people, protect residents and staff while improving safety and continuing business operations.

As a benefit, facilities can also restrict and prevent access to people who have known contact with confirmed cases; or, who have recently travelled and been asked to self-isolate.

Thermal imaging systems also provide an essential audit record of those entering a facility, including capturing their facial image and temperature.

Safe, non-invasive and no-contact temperature screening

Thermal imaging cameras provide a non-contact and highly efficient way to measure body temperature at a distance. This fever screening method is designed to avoid physical contact and reduce false alarms.

By positioning thermal imaging cameras at entry points, or in a common area, the temperature detection cameras can quickly and non-invasively screen body temperatures of people entering the space.  When elevated body temperature is detected, it will send an alert to staff on the nurse call system.  Anyone who is displaying signs of fever can then be restricted access to the facility. This frees up staff so they can focus on caring for residents.

High efficiency with automatic tracking

The system can automatically measure temperatures of multiple people simultaneously in common areas with a large flow of people, without the assistance of staff.

More critically, the high accuracy and efficiency of thermal detection cameras will capture individual images as groups enter the facility. Each image is time and date stamped, assessed positive or negative with a logged temperature and stored for a minimum of 30 days. The sensitivity of thermal detection systems varies greatly but should, for this application, be no less than +/- .5C. Thermal detection systems should ideally be connected to a Nurse Call platform used by the facility for resident calls or emergencies. Consequently, when a detected high-temperature visitor is in the reception area, key staff can be notified and take appropriate action with PPE if necessary.

By using thermal imaging cameras in your health facility, you can provide peace of mind for the residents, staff and visitors, as possible causes can be isolated. And, you can provide a safer environment for staff and residents as potential cases are excluded.

Interested in Thermal Imaging Cameras?

If you would like to discuss how to use thermal imaging cameras to protect residents, staff and visitors at your health facility, then please contact us today.