The American Academy of Thermology Has Released a Special Coronavirus (COVID19) Video Primer for Infrared (IR) Camera Temperature Measurement
GREENVILLE, S.C., March 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the coronavirus pandemic, The American Academy of Thermology has created a special video primer on the utilization of infrared cameras for fever screening. It can be down loaded from https://aathermology.org/corona-virus-ir-temperature-measurement/.
The AAT is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote Scientific Medical Thermology (SMT). It offers member certification programs for Technicians and Physicians, Physician interpretation courses, and authors peer reviewed guidelines for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, oral systemic disorders (including fever detection), breast risk health assessments, and veterinary medicine.
It is important to understand that there is a lot of misinformation on the use and capabilities of infrared (IR) imaging for clinical conditions. This primer is intended to educate the public on best practices for image and data acquisition as it relates to scientific medical thermology.
For a complete tutorial on proper image acquisition the AAT recommends enrollment in the AAT Technician's Member Certification course.
Whenever thermal images are used for clinical applications, a licensed physician trained in medical interpretation should be consulted for reporting or interpretation of results. The AAT offers both Physician Member Certification and Physician Interpretation courses for those who desire additional training.
The AAT also offers an Annual Scientific Session for those who want to learn more about the diverse applications available for medical thermology, or who want to become leaders in their communities within the field.
As it relates to fever screening, fever is typically defined as 37.4 oC (100 oF), or higher. Hence, especially in times of concerns for pandemic infection, if medial canthus measurements exceed 37 oC, it makes sense to consider additional screening, to obtain a reading with an oral thermometer, or to make a referral to a licensed health care provider.
Keep in mind that not all fever is the coronavirus and that IR temperature recordings are simply a measurement tool. Even when done properly, and with good equipment, additional evaluation and treatment may be required to make a clinical decision. The goal of IR temperature measurement is to help mitigate the spread of disease, not to diagnose.
If you would like to familiarize yourself with proper applications for medical thermology, and those conditions where findings can be useful in clinical decision making, the AAT encourages you to become familiar with its internationally peer reviewed Guidelines.
If you would like further information regarding this primer, or other AAT courses, programs, or services, please Email us at info@aathermology.org.
SOURCE American Academy of Thermology
