The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a warning on Thursday about thermal imaging systems used to measure body temperature during the pandemic.
The scanners, also known as thermal cameras and “fever cameras”, are often used in the lobbies of workplaces, schools and businesses as a fast, non-contact way to monitor body temperature.
However, officials said the scanners could give inaccurate readings, and the FDA has sent several warning letters to some companies selling “unapproved, unapproved, and unauthorized” thermal imaging systems, including Certify Global Inc., Kogniz Inc., Opgal Optronic Industries. Ltd. and Thermavis.
The scanner, which resembles a smartphone, reads a person’s skin surface temperature in seconds as they move towards it. If a person’s temperature is 100.4 degrees or above, they are considered symptomatic.
When properly designed and used, the device can be accurate, the FDA said. But even some authorized systems have produced inaccurate readings, which can be harmful if someone with a fever is not alerted.
“These risks are more likely when thermal imaging systems scan multiple people at the same time,” said the FDA.
The FDA will work to provide users with information about the scanners and is encouraging people to continue wearing face masks, social distance and maintain hand hygiene. Stay at home if you feel sick and consider taking your temperature with a thermometer before you leave home.