Since 2020 we have seen a rapid emergence of cameras detecting elevated skin-surface temperatures providing preliminary checks in office buildings, factories, stations, airports and other public spaces. Temperature variations, especially in a hot and humid climate, will impact its accuracy.
For example, when I am about to enter a shopping mall in the Middle East. From 50+C external ambient temperature with / 90% humidity through cold air curtain located at the main entry into the lobby with air-conditioned air (more likely separate systems with various temperature control).
It is unlikely that the measurement accuracy will be sufficient to provide the operator with the decision-making process. For the system to be accurate and valuable, it would have to be enforced with the operational procedure to eliminate temperature variations. Furthermore, the detected heat value doesn’t reflect internal body temperature.
In 2020 UK Medicine and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRD) stated that most products were initially designed for a non-medical purpose.
Furthermore, there is no evidence to support an accurate medical diagnosis. The agency also advised that anyone selling the hardware and claiming a direct link to the virus diagnosis will be prosecuted.
There is no scientific evidence to support temperature screening as a reliable method. As I have said above, temperature readings from temperature screening systems will measure skin temperature rather than core body temperature.
In either case, natural fluctuations in temperature can occur among healthy individuals. These readings are therefore an unreliable measure for the detection of diseases that may cause fever.
We are not considering GDPR and impact on such measurements. Also, raising questions around privacy, civil liberties and finally, do we really need this.
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