Why Temperature Screening for Coronavirus Disease 2019 with Noncontact Infrared Thermometers Does Not Work
Date:
12/14/2020
Topics:
Citation:
Wright WF, Mackowiak PA. Why Temperature Screening for Coronavirus Disease 2019 With Noncontact Infrared Thermometers Does Not Work. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2020 Dec 14;8(1):ofaa603. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa603. PMID: 33506067; PMCID: PMC7798604.
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 screening can evaluate large numbers of patients while reducing healthcare exposures and limiting further spread of the virus. Temperature screening has been a focal point of case detection during the pandemic because it is one of the earliest and most frequently reported manifestations of the illness. We describe important factors to consider of screened individuals as well as the measurement process and current outcomes. Optimal temperature-based screening involves both individual and environmental factors as well as reconsideration of the current fever threshold.