Infrared Detectors Effective in Screening for Fever

Researchers from University of Nebraska Medical Center have evaluated an infrared thermal system for detection of fever in patients visiting the emergency department during the H1N1 pandemic. Temperature measurements obtained from the ThermoScreen System by OptoTherm (Sewickley, PA) were compared to conventional, mostly oral measurements. The system uses a thermal imaging camera to measure skin temperature by detecting and quantifying the infrared energy being emitted from the face. Similar systems were deployed at airports worldwide during the height of the H1N1 pandemic. Sensitivity and specificity of the ThermoScreen to detect fever were 70% and 92% respectively with a positive predictive value of 43% and a negative predictive value of 97%. The high negative predictive value makes it a suitable tool for screening, allowing to quickly decide who needs further testing. As the results were obtained in a clinical setting where fever is more prevalent than in the general population, the results cannot be generalized to other settings.
Press release: Researchers find infrared thermal detection systems useful for patient screening…
Presentation abstract: Evaluation of an Infrared Thermal Detection System (ITDS) for Fever Recognition during the H1N1 Influenza Pandemic