FAQs – Rapid Human Temperature Screening Solution
Can a human temperature screening system or elevated temperature scanner identify person carrying COVID-19 coronavirus?
No, human temperature screening systems or human temperature scanners can be used to screen for individuals with elevated skin temperature. Skin temperature is a commonly used indicator of elevated core temperature. However, even when performed in ideal conditions, many research and clinical trials have shown that skin temperature has poor correlation to actual core body temperature. Therefore one should not attempt to determine core body temperature from skin temperature. When the temperature screening system identifies an elevated temperature, it should always be followed with a proper secondary temperature confirmation using a clinical grade thermometer.
Can a human temperature screening system or elevated temperature scanner determine core body temperature of individual?
No, human temperature screening systems are only intended to provide screening for potential candidates with elevated core temperatures. When the screening identifies an elevated temperature, it should be followed by proper secondary temperature confirmation using a clinical grade thermometer. Even when performed in ideal conditions, many research and clinical trials have shown that skin temperature has poor correlation to actual core body temperature. Therefore one should not attempt to determine core body temperature from skin temperature.
Some human temperature screening systems or elevated temperature scanners claim to be able to show core body temperature and they do indeed have temperature reading on their displays
Many “fever screening systems” and “fever scanner system” on the market are nothing more than modified/rebadged/repackaged industrial thermal cameras. One of the standard functions on such industrial systems are ‘hot spot tracking’ and is conveniently activated as a standard option. They will track the hottest spot on the screen (not necessarily human). However, there is no scientific or clinical relevance to this feature. In fact, when such products have been analyzed in clinical trials, research papers and real-life experiences, these readings are highly misleading. All of our systems, including the latest Sentry MK4, do not display any subject’s core body temperature, nor do we claim to be able to identify such body temperature. We do however have an input which an operator can set up minimum screening threshold by indicating targeted core body temperature (e.g., mild fever @100°F to high fever at 100.4°F). Our systems will then automatically perform system offsets and calibration to target individuals in that temperature group, understanding that the Sentry MK4 is still intended as a screening device, not as one that is intended to identify core body temperatures.
Is additional screening required?
According to best practice recommended in SS 582 : Part 2 : 2013. (ICS 11.040.55). “SPECIFICATION FOR. Thermal imagers for human temperature screening: Implementation guidelines”, secondary screening using a clinical temperature measurement method (such as a clinical grade thermometer) is required.
If I need thermometer, what is the point of deploying a rapid human temperature screening solution?
A rapid human temperature screening solution is intended to provide screening and triage individuals for secondary screening. Therefore, instead of using a clinical grade thermometer on thousands of subjects, the Sentry Mk4 allows for efficient allocation of resources to focus on screening identified higher risk individuals for clinical grade thermometer measurement.
Can a person carrying COVID-19 coronavirus pass a human temperature screening system or scanning without being detected?
Yes, human temperature screening systems or scanners only detect persons displaying comparatively elevated temperatures. If a COVID-19 coronavirus carrier is not displaying any fever symptoms, the system will not flag that individual for secondary temperature measurement not does it have any ability to directly identify a person who carries the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Why do I need to implement a rapid human temperature screening system when I can ask a passenger to self-declare?
Trials and field experiences have shown that properly implemented human temperature screening operations can assist in identifying a high number of individuals with elevated temperatures when compared to situations where self-declaration alone is relieved upon for identification of higher temperature individuals.
The thermal camera I own has a temperature resolution of 0.1 degree Celcius and sensitivity of 50mk, surely this camera is appropriate for human screening?
Not necessarily. Temperature resolution only indicates how many decimals points the camera can display, and the sensitivity (NETD) figure only provides a theoretical detector noise level, rather than an understanding of actual accuracy of the product.
What is relevant for human screening?
In most reputable industrial-based systems, you will find accuracy stated in the specification as “±0.36°F or 2%, whichever is higher”. At 98.6°F~46.4°F range, ±0.36°F applies. Considering the core body temperature difference between healthy and a high fever subject is ±0.18°F, such systems are clearly not suitable.
Other than human temperature screening hardware, what else do I need to put in place with an effective human temperature screening operation?
Acquiring proper hardware is a good start, however, an effective screening program requires formulation and implementing correct workflow and training of crew. In most cases, our experiences have shown this is one of the most difficult aspects of a screening program, as many organizations may have limited knowledge in this specialized area. We recommend considering identifying and working with a partner to implement a screening program and secondary temperature measurement program (including the use of a clinical grade thermometer) can be beneficial.
Rapid Human Temperature Screening Solution
The 4th generation of our Sentry family of Human Temperature scanners. The Sentry MK4 helps streamline workflow to ensure minimal disruption to your operations. The system that allows you to conduct initial temperature screening and enhance your overall facility health and safety protocols.
