The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued a warning about thermal imaging systems used to measure body temperature during the pandemic.
The scanners, also known as thermal cameras and ‘fever cameras’, are commonly used in the vestibules of workplaces, schools and operating rooms as a fast, contactless way to monitor body temperature.
However, officials said the scanners could provide inaccurate readings, and the FDA has issued several warning letters to some companies selling “unapproved, unclear and unauthorized” thermal imaging systems, including Certify Global Inc., Kogniz Inc., Opgal Optronic Industries Ltd and Thermavis.
The scanner, which looks like a smartphone, reads a person’s skin surface temperature within seconds of acting. If someone’s temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher, it is considered symptomatic.
When the device is designed and used correctly, it can be accurate, the FDA said. But even some authorized systems have yielded inaccurate measurements, which can be harmful if someone with a fever is not alerted.
“These risks are likely to be present when thermal imaging systems scan multiple individuals simultaneously,” the FDA said.
The FDA will work to provide information about the scanners to users and encourage people to continue wearing face masks, keeping social distance and maintaining hygiene. Stay home if you feel sick and consider taking your temperature with a thermometer before leaving home.