The Science Behind Non-contact Thermometers
Following the pandemic, almost everyone in the world became familiar with non-contact digital thermometers as a means to test for Coronavirus symptoms without the risk of spreading the disease.
Touchless thermometers have now become the new normal in homes and hospitals, serving as an efficient alternative to regular thermometers. This article explores the tech that goes into these devices, allowing them to deliver accurate and reliable readings.
How Do They Work?
Questions often come up regarding the accuracy of touchless thermometers. Unlike contact thermometers, they do not measure body temperature through thermal conduction. Instead, they detect the thermal radiation emitted by the body. Through the use of infrared sensors, they measure the temperature of the branch of the carotid artery known as the superficial temporal artery.
Infrared Radiation & Touchless Thermometers
Let's take a quick trip down memory lane. In middle school, we learned about atoms and how every object, living or dead, consists of them. When these atoms vibrate, they generate heat, and the faster they vibrate, the more energy they emit in the form of infrared radiation. While we may not see this radiation, we can sense it through the heat that is given off. This is what touchless thermometers measure when used to take temperatures.
When screening an object, infrared thermometers use a specialized lens to detect the infrared energy emitted by an object and redirect it onto a mechanism in the device known as a thermophile. When the thermopile detects this infrared radiation, it is absorbed and converted into heat. As a result, a voltage output is produced to determine the temperature, which will then be displayed on the thermometer screen.
The LOOKEE® Infrared Thermometers
The LOOKEE® Infrared Thermometers are FDA-approved and built using the latest smart chip + AI algorithm. They offer the highest degree of medical accuracy through advanced sensors to ensure fast, easy, and precise readings while canceling out false or misleading readings.
The LOOKEE® Breeze Infrared Forehead and Ear Thermometer is suitable for all age groups and can measure body temperatures using both contact and non-contact settings. The LOOKEE® Petite Infrared Touchless Forehead Thermometer is the perfect baby thermometer. The device features a 'silent mode' setting, allowing parents to take their baby's temperature without waking them up.
Since our devices store previous readings, individuals can track the progression of their temperature and easily monitor a fever or cold.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
To ensure accuracy when taking temperatures using an infrared thermometer, the device mustn't be exposed to conditions that could distort its readings. Two distinct factors to consider include:
Distance & angle: Before using the device, read the manual to get clued up on its proximity limitations. Usually, when taking a person's temperature, the device is held half an inch from the body. Always keep the device pointed directly at the area as an incorrect angle can risk taking readings from surrounding objects.
Environment: Since the weather can affect the surface temperature of the skin, it is recommended to allow the thermometer to adjust to the environment for about 15 mins before using it. Never expose the body to excessive sunlight before taking a reading, as this can increase the temperature of the surface of the skin.
References
How Do Infrared Thermometers Work?
https://www.omega.com/en-us/resources/infrared-thermometer-how-work#:~:text=Infrared%20th
ermometers%20employ%20a%20lens,connected%20in%20series%20or%20parallel.
How accurate are forehead thermometers?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/forehead-thermometer-accuracy#best-approach
INFRARED THERMOMETERS: ACCURATE READINGS & LIMITATIONS:
Clinical evaluation of non-contact infrared thermometers: