Infrared thermal detection systems useful for patient screening

Washington, March 22 : Infrared Thermal Detection System (ITDS) was found to be a fast and effective fever-screening tool in clinical settings during the H1N1 influenza pandemic.

Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) found that the ITDS detected fever in patients through split-second, non-contact skin temperature measurements.

Fever is a primary symptom of seasonal influenza, H1N1, avian influenza, SARS and other infectious diseases.

Dr. Angela Hewlett and her colleagues evaluated the OptoTherm ThermoScreen in the Emergency Department of The Nebraska Medical Center, UNMC''s hospital partner during the height of the H1N1 pandemic from November 18, 2009 to January 9, 2010 to test the tool''s viability in a practical clinical setting.

The ITDS employs a thermal imaging camera to measure skin temperature by detecting and quantifying the infrared energy being emitted from the face.

The ITDS temperature measurements were compared with standard temperature measurements for 566 patients, ages 15 days to 89 years old.

Infrared Thermal Detection Systems have been used in several countries to screen for fever in travelers. Dr. Hewlett and her team wanted to utilize the technology as an infection control option in a clinical setting.

"The purpose of fever screening is to protect patients. This technology allows clinicians to rapidly screen people for fever, so that incoming patients and visitors who may be ill can be identified quickly and reduce the danger of spreading diseases like influenza to other people in the hospital," said Hewlett.

During the study period, participating patients at the Emergency Department had their temperature measured by the ITDS and then by routine oral or rectal temperature measurements taken in the triage area of the Emergency Department. Patients who were identified with fever were managed with routine protocols, including separation or surgical masks.

The ITDS proved to be an effective screening tool for identifying patients with fever across all age ranges and genders.

The results of the study were presented at the Fifth Decennial International Conference on Healthcare-Associated Infections in Atlanta.