Solutions for Elevated Skin Temperature Screening

No, thermal imaging cameras cannot be used to detect for or diagnose an infection, including COVID-19 (the infection caused by coronavirus). However, FLIR thermal cameras are being today used in public spaces - such as airports, train terminals, and concerts - as an effective tool to measure skin surface temperature and identify individuals with Elevated Skin Temperature (EST). Used at points of entry including airports and buildings, FLIR thermal cameras enable the screening of people with EST that might indicate illness. People who are indemnified with EST must then be screened by medical professionals for diagnosis of any medical condition.

FLIR thermal cameras detect heat radiation and can be used to identify the surface temperature of objects and people. With this capability, FLIR thermal cameras are commonly used as a non-contact screening tool to detect differences in skin surface temperatures and pattern changes. In fact, FLIR has received US FDA approval for using a variety of its thermal products to screen high traffic public places like airports, train stations and subway stations.

Certain FLIR cameras include a screening mode that provides an alarm when an object or person is detected to have an elevated temperature. Activating the screening mode will turn on a measurement box and screening data on the camera’s screen:

• The sampled average temperature.
• The alarm temperature.
• The measured temperature.
• The alarm will trigger when the measurement box measures a temperature higher than the alarm temperature.
• The alarm temperature is, in turn, the sum of a specified allowed deviation and a sampled average value.

E54-EST, E86-EST, T540-EST, T560-EST, A500-EST, A700-EST, E95, E85, E75, T530, T540, T620, T640, T840, T860, T1020, T1040, A310, A615, A655sc

In order to obtain a good temperature reading, it is recommended that the intended target be as close to the camera as possible. In this use case, the location of the camera may require a different lens. For instance, if the operator wanted to place the camera at a significant distance, FLIR might recommend a telephoto lens. Therefore, distance to the target is an important consideration, as is focus.

It is extremely important that the application be set up so that all intended targets are in focus during the screening process, thereby creating a good image. In addition to focus, a good image is dependent on several additional functions and settings, with certain functions and settings affecting the image more than others.

Functions and settings that you need to set and/or adjust, including:

• Adjusting the infrared camera focus.
• Adjusting the infrared image (automatically or manually).
• Selecting a suitable temperature range.
• Selecting a suitable color palette.
• Changing the measurement parameters.
• Performing a non-uniformity correction (NUC)
• For the Extech non-contact thermometer, the optimal measurement distance of 5 to 15 cm (1.9 in. to 5.9-in.) is recommended.

The temperature measurement cameras for EST are calibrated to an accuracy of +/- 2 degrees C or 2% of the temperature reading at 30 degrees C ambient environment. FLIR uses calibration standards established under NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) traceable black body reference sources.

FLIR's thermal camera with EST Screening mode can achieve accuracies better than +/-0.5°C (0.9°F) at 37 °C (98.6 °F).This is achieved by using the camera in a stable ambient environment, only looking at humans and updating the reference samples according to the population being screened.

Note, there are many contributing factors that affect accuracy. For instance, FOCUS and DISTANCE can affect accuracy. Other factors, like the emissivity of the target, ambient environment, and speed at which the temperatures are acquired all play a pivotal role in accuracy.

FLIR recommends that thermal camera operators obtain at a minimum Level 1 thermal imaging certification through certified thermography courses such as the Infrared Training Center. This is not a medical training or certification, but it provides a baseline understanding in thermography. The Infrared Training Center offers more advanced training.

All thermal cameras in this list are certified by the US Food and Drug Administration for Elevated Skin Temperature screening:

Thermal Cameras (US FDA Certified)

Handheld Thermal Imagers

• T560-EST
• T540-EST
• E86-EST
• E54-EST
• E95
• E85
• E75
• T530, T540
• T620, T640
• T840, T860
• T1020

Fixed-Mount Thermal Imagers

• A500-EST
• A700-EST

IR Thermometers

• Extech IR200

While we cannot name specific customers or comment on current sales, we can say that our thermal cameras are used for by customers at ports of entries and high-traffic locations in several countries several countries, including the US, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia.

For EST screening, FLIR noted an increase during the first potential epidemic with SARS in 2003 and then in 2009 with the H1N1 outbreak.

FLIR sells an IR non-contact handheld thermometer under our Extech brand. Non-contact thermometers are primarily used in a handheld fashion to screen a person’s forehead. The operator of the non-contact device will point the device at a recommended distance of 5 to 15 CM (1.9 in. to 5.9 in.) and be able to measure temperatures from 32 to 42.5 °C (89.6 to 108.5°F).

• Non-contact Infrared thermometer / Gun type. Human body measurement.
• Product has to be CE marked or USFDA 510k.
• Product has to be produced in accordance to ISO 13485 or equal.
• Production has to be in accordance to EU standards, ISO 9001 or equal.

For Extech non-contact thermometers, adjustable alarm alerts the user either visually or audibly, when the temperature exceeds the programmed limit. The non-contact thermometer also utilizes a large backlit LCD display to read temperatures.

The recommended Extech non-contact thermometer has been calibrated to an accuracy to 0.3°C (0.5°F) with 0.1°F/°C resolution.

Elevated skin temperature screening with a thermal imaging camera or infrared thermometer can help organizations avoid continued work and production interruptions due to COVID-19. By screening each person for elevated skin temperature before they enter a building, you can determine who needs a medical check for a fever, which can be a sign of infection. It’s an easy and efficient way help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

A thermal imaging camera produces infrared images or heat pictures that display small temperature differences. This allows thermal cameras to create and continually update a visual heat map of skin temperatures. In addition, thermal imaging cameras are sensitive devices capable of measuring small temperature differences.

Many thermal cameras that are appropriate for measuring skin temperatures also offer built-in functions like visual and sound alarms that can be set to go off when a certain temperature threshold is exceeded. The operator can then instantly decide whether the subject needs to be referred for further screening with additional temperature measurement tools.

As the thermal imaging camera produces images in near-realtime, the total evaluation process takes mere moments, making thermal imaging technology very useful for rapidly screening large numbers of people.

Infrared (IR) thermometers enable users to measure temperature quickly and at a distance, without making any contact. But IR thermometers actually do not measure heat directly, they measure light. Despite infrared light being invisible to humans, it is used to measure heat because nearly everything emits infrared radiation, which is one of the ways heat is transferred. Even though people cannot see this light wave, it is sensed every day as heat.

Just like visible light, infrared light can be reflected and in this way, "channeled" to the IR thermometer's detector. This detector converts the thermal reading into an electrical signal. In theory, the higher the infrared radiation, the higher the molecular activity and temperature.

Disclaimer:

Thermal imaging cameras and infrared thermometers cannot be used to detect or diagnose an infection. Contagions such as COVID-19, SARS, and other diseases can however produce symptoms like elevated skin temperature—a possible sign of infection. While thermal cameras and infrared thermometers are not capable of detecting or diagnosing viruses, they can be used as an effective tool for measuring skin surface temperature. People who are identified as having an elevated skin temperature can then be screened by medical professionals using additional tools such as an oral thermometer.

Fast, efficient and easy to use, infrared (IR) thermometers are an ideal solution for fever screening in schools, businesses and other high traffic environments.. IR thermometers feature a non-contact design that ensures safe use, while saving users valuable time and effort with fast response times and simple operation. Adjustable alarms alert users both visually and audibly when a temperature measurement exceeds the programmed limit.

Test Equipment Depot exclusively offers the FOTRON-X2000 Digital Infrared Thermometer, which is accurate to ±0.36°F (±0.2°C) with a 0.1°F/°C resolution. Additional options include the Extech IR200, Fluke 67 MAX, Besantek BST-NT16, Mastercool 52225-MED, and Triplett FT2020, which each provide accuracy of at least 0.5°F (0.3°C) when measuring skin temperatures.

To take a measurement, simply press the button on the thermometer handle; the internal memory will store readings for easy recall afterward. All models complete temperature measurements in one second or less, displaying results on a large backlit LCD display. A Body/Surface function switch furthermore enables users to change from measuring body temperature to making surface temperature measurements over an extended range.

Disclaimer

The above thermometers are intended for screening individuals or monitoring an individual for potential elevated skin temperatures. They are not a substitute for a clinical thermometer. Always use a clinical thermometer when high accuracy body temperature measurements are required.

The FLIR 85903-0201 and 90603-0201 Screen EST Kiosks provide different screening solutions for the detection of elevated skin temperatures using thermal cameras. No thermal camera can detect or diagnose a virus or infection, but with a FLIR EST Thermal Screening Solution Kiosk it is possible to identify individuals with skin temperatures that are above a specified threshold. An elevated temperature may be one indicator that the person being screened may have a fever.

These kiosks are compact, plug-and-play screening solutions - they automatically measure the skin temperature of the screened person, analyze the measured temperature, and display screening results. If the measured temperature is higher than a reference average, these units will trigger an alarm.

The Mustang AV MPHK22FLB Safezone Wellness Station is a freestanding sanitary kiosk that performs non-contact fever screening and provides the PPE gear necessary to keep customers, employees and visitors safe. It is ideal for airports, retail and grocery stores, convention centers, offices or anywhere large groups gather.

An integrated infrared temperature sensor reads the forehead temperature of a user standing directly in front of the kiosk. The sensor provides results in just 0.3 seconds and with high accuracy of ±0.5 °F (±0.3°C), making the Safezone Station an efficient and effective screening system for elevated skin temperatures.

The Safezone Wellness Station is equipped with an automatic hand santizer dispenser, which fits a gallon jug. Cutouts with universal glove and mask box holders are located below the gel dispenser for dispensing PPE to users.

The MPHK22FLB station is a plug and play bundled solution with SafeSignage software from Red Dot Digital Media - no paid CMS is required for operation. Users can connect directly to the included BrightSign Player using an iOS or Android device, and then easily organize a playlist with videos and images for customizing the digital signage display.

The Fotric 223B and 226B thermal imagers both have a built-in AI facial detection module, which can screen entire groups of people simultaneously. The advanced module automatically locks each individual face for temperature measurement, while intelligently shielding high-temperature sources from other faces in the scene.

The Fotric 226B is equipped with a 384 x 288 pixel thermal detector and operates at 30 frames per second. As a result, the thermal imager can perform smooth screening with a normal flow of people at high-traffic facilities. The 223B features a 160 x 120 pixel infrared resolution, and it is suitable for low/medium-traffic areas.

When an eleveated temperature is detected in a person, the Fotric thermal imager will automatically emit a voice or ring alarm, and the green facial recognition frame will immediately turn red for rapid on-site identification. The thermal imager will automatically capture the photo of the detected person for further evaluation and analysis.

During the test process, the Fotric 223B and 226B can automatically count both the number of personnel and number of suspected elevated body temperature alarms, creating an archive with separate snapshots for normal and fever readings. File naming with detailed measurement information allows for easy tracking.

The Fotric 226B and 223B thermal imagers use WLIR software, which has a built-in body temperature calibration algorithm that automatically collects body temperatures in different scenarios for self-learning. The software will adjust the body temperature alarm threshold in real time by adapting to ambient temperature changes, preventing elevated body temperature detection due to morning or night temperature differences.

Key Specifications:

• IR resolution:
  • 226B: 384 x 288 pixels
  • 223B: 160 x 120 pixels
• Thermal sensitivity (NETD): <0.05°C @ 30°C
• Field of view (FOV): 28°H x 21°V
• Frame rate: 30 Hz
• Temperature range: 20°C to 60°C (68°F to 140°F)
• Temperature stability: ±0.5°C (±0.2°C with optional blackbody)
• Detector type: Polysilicon-FPA, uncooled microbolometer, 17μm, spectral range 8 - 14 μm

As businesses and venues begin to reopen, handheld thermal cameras can be a first line of defense against potential health risks. Offering thousands of points of temperature measurement in each image, these cameras allow operators to screen people from a safe distance, detecting and visualizing heat to quickly identify individuals with a fever or elevated skin temperature.

Handheld skin temperature screening solutions are non-contact, safe, and private. Instead of requiring direct or close contact for a temperature reading, these thermal cameras are designed to detect infrared radiation (heat) within their field of view from a distance and display it as an easily interpreted image. The thermal imagery displays heat—not identifying facial features—and compatible thermal screening software does not require the capture, recording, or transmitting of personally identifiable information.

FLIR EST handheld thermal cameras perform fast and safe non-contact elevated skin temperature screening. The FLIR EST thermal screening solutions provide frontline fever screening at building entries and in high traffic areas to improve safety and help curb the spread of COVID-19 and other contagions. The FLIR T5xx-EST and FLIR Exx-EST series cameras are designed to simplify the screening process, reducing the burden on screening operators and adhering to recommended social distancing guidelines.

The T540-EST and T560-EST are designed to operate in either a mobile or more permanent setting. The flexible form factor enables a cable-free mobile operation with up to four hours of battery life or hands-free use with an integrated tripod mount.

Light, ergonomically designed for handheld use, and battery-powered, the E54-EST and E86-EST offer the capability for mobile screening settings with a bright, easy-to-use integrated touchscreen display. The Exx-EST models may also be mounted on a tripod for hands-free use.

The FLIR EST Series thermal cameras offer the added advantage of FLIR Screen-EST Mode, an on-camera screening mode for elevated skin temperatures. This mode can sound or display an alarm when the camera detects a person with an elevated temperature, allowing for rapid decision-making. If the screening mode detects an individual with a potential fever, they can then be evaluated using a medical device such as a thermometer. In this way, Screen-EST provides a faster, safer method of screening people in high-traffic areas.

In screening mode, you can sample skin temperature data from people at the testing location to determine an average that can be updated periodically throughout the screening operation. Each person is then screened individually and their measured temperature is compared against the average. Doing this helps the screening mode account for variations throughout the day, including fluctuations in the average person’s temperature due to natural environmental changes, like afternoon heat on a sunny day.

The FLIR E53, E95, E85, E75, T530, T540, T620, T640, T840, and T860 camera models can be updated with the new operator and button modes at no charge and upgraded with the auto mode for a small fee. The Operator, Button, and Auto screening modes will come standard on the new FLIR E54-EST, E86-EST, T540-EST, and T560-EST cameras.

Bright touchscreen display and
pre-programmed buttons streamline initial set-up

Up to 4 hours of battery operation (model dependent), or use external power for continuous use

Integrated tripod mount for when hands-free use is needed

The Testo 890 Thermal Imager is a robust thermal imager that features a unique rotating touchscreen and swivel handle. Now equipped with the testo Elevated Body Temperature measurement function, the Testo 890 thermal imager is excellent for identifying potentially ill persons:

• Reliable: 640 x 480 pixels resolution (upgradable to 1280 × 960 pixels with Testo SuperResolution option) and <40 mK thermal sensitivity
• Flexible: HDMI interface allows for data transfer to an external screen, making the camera suitable for semi-stationary applications such as security checkpoints
• Easy: Can be used by the most diverse staff, thanks to the high level of user convenience and intuitive touchscreen menus

Hospitals, industries, and large facilities need a reliable fever screening solution to help them reopen while protecting the safety of employees, customers, and visitors. The FLIR A500-EST and A700-EST fixed-mount thermal cameras can integrate with existing networks for point-of-entry screening that can be performed in seconds, identifying individuals with an elevated skin temperature and allowing operators to make instant decisions on whether to direct the individual for secondary screening.

Fixed-mount thermal imagers from FLIR are equipped with multiple case mounting points to support tripod or permanent fixture installations. Compatibility with industry standards such as Modbus TCP, MQTT, RESTful API for data transfer and RTSP for video makes third-party integration easy. The cameras can be connected to most Video Management Systems and NVR solutions.

Add to existing VMS or access control system with industry standards such as GigE Vision and GenICam

Minimize cables with Power over Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity

Install for permanent use or create a mobile screening station using the integrated tripod mount

The Seek Scan Infrared Thermal Imaging System by Seek Thermal is a simple, easy-to-use thermal imaging system designed to automate body temperature screening using skin temperature as a proxy. With ±0.3°C (±0.5°F) accuracy and the inclusion of a reference heat source, Seek Scan delivers the same performance as an infrared temporal thermometer - but with a safe social distance.

The Seek Scan system can be installed in lobbies, hallways and other key access points to help businesses, institutions and venues reopen a safer environment for their workforce, customers, members and patrons. Easy-to-install and easy-to-use, the system can be up and running in minutes with no special equipment or training. Additionally, Seek Scan can be integrated with access control and video management systems using our APIs available to integrators.

Face detected. Seek Scan is measuring skin temperature.

Estimated body temperature is below the alarm temperature.

Estimated body temperature is above the alarm temperature.

Seek Scan is specifically designed and calibrated to deliver accurate skin temperature measurements while enabling social distancing protocols. In seconds, the system automatically detects a face, identifies the most reliable facial features for measurement, and displays an estimated body temperature. A visual and audible alert is provided if someone is warmer than the customizable alarm temperature.

Unlike typical industrial thermal cameras, Seek Scan was developed for precise temperature measurement and maximizes accuracy by referencing a fixed heat source with a known temperature value. Seek's patent-pending heat source allows Seek Scan to achieve much higher accuracy than a standard thermal imaging camera designed for industrial use.

FAQs for FLIR Themal Imager Solutions (pdf)

FLIR E54-EST and E86-EST Series Datasheet (pfd)

FLIR T540-EST and T560-EST Series Datasheet (pdf)

FLIR Exx Series Datasheet (pdf)

FLIR T5xx Series Datasheet (pdf)

FLIR T620 and T640 Series Datasheet (pdf)

FLIR T840 Series Datasheet (pdf)

FLIR T8xx Series Datasheet (pdf)

FLIR T1K Series Datasheet (pdf)

Testo 890 Brochure (pdf)

Testo 890 Datasheet (pdf)

Fotric 223B and 226B Datasheet (pdf)

Indoor/Outdoor Applications with the Fotric 226B (pdf)

462 Blackbody Calibrator Manual (pdf)

FLIR A500-EST and A700-EST Datasheet (pdf)

Seek Thermal Seek Scan Datasheet (pdf)

Fotron FOTRON-X2000 Manual (pdf)

FLIR IR200 Datasheet (pdf)

Besantek BST-NT16 Datasheet (pdf)

Triplett FT2020 Datasheet (pdf)

Mastercool 52225-MED Datasheet (pdf)

Fluke 67 MAX Datasheet (pdf)

Mustang AV MPHK22FLB Datasheet (pdf)