Automated Screening for H1N1 and Other Communicable Illnesses

Sewickley PA, USA – OptoTherm’s patent pending Automated screening process simplifies the screening process, reduces the demands on operators, and improves screening measurement accuracy.

ThermoScreen detects when a subject’s face is in view and then audibly issues the instruction “please stand still and look directly at the camera” through the computer speakers.

A large TESTING button illuminates on the computer screen to indicate that an individual is currently being evaluated.

After verifying that the subject is standing still, ThermoScreen performs the screening measurement and then audibly issues the results.

Feverish subjects are instructed to “please wait here for an attendant” and non-feverish subjects are instructed “thank you, you may proceed”. You can even create custom messages for your specific screening application.

View the movie at www.optotherm.com/ts-operation.htm to watch subjects being screened.

ThermoScreen is a completely passive device and emits no harmful radiation.

A high-accuracy thermal imaging camera manufactured by OptoTherm measures skin temperature by detecting and quantifying the infrared energy that is continuously being emitted from the face.

As individuals walk up to the screening station, skin temperatures above a predefined threshold are detected and displayed in bright colors on the computer screen.

Verbal instructions and screening results are announced through the computer’s speakers and an audible alarm is activated to notify personnel that a temperature violation has occurred.

When mounted on the mobile computer stand, ThermoScreen can be moved quickly to alternate locations in order to screen additional groups of people or to accommodate changes in pedestrian flow.

Screening Station Design

Individuals to be screened should be channeled into a single file line.

This arrangement also allows the operator to more easily direct and control the flow of traffic so that suspect individuals can be quickly redirected to an area where they can be further evaluated.

The path of pedestrians must be designed so that suspect individuals can be quickly and easily removed so as not to obstruct the flow into and out of the screening zone.

When ThermoScreen is to be used in combination with other screening devices such as metal detectors, it is important to consider these additional screening systems during the initial planning phase and to recognize areas of potential bottlenecks.

Each temperature violation should be confirmed using a clinical thermometer and medical evaluation. Any cases of confirmed fever should be handled according to established medical protocols.

Common Applications

Hospitals: Quickly detect patients and visitors with high fevers as they enter the facility

Airports : Prevent arriving and departing passengers from spreading contagious diseases.

Businesses: Safeguard the health of patrons and employees.

Schools: Help provide a safe environment for students and faculty.

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts an “explosion” of swine flu cases during the remainder of 2009 and into 2010. Because the global spread of swine flu will endanger more lives as it speeds up in coming months, they are alerting governments to boost preparations for a swift response.

There will soon be a period of further global spread of the virus, and most countries may see swine flu cases double every three to four days for several months until peak transmission is reached.

The CDC estimates that as many as 40% of the workforce, in a worst-case scenario, might be unable to work at the peak of the pandemic due to the need for many healthy adults to stay home and care for an ill family members.

About OptoTherm

OptoTherm manufactures high-performance thermal imaging systems for use in the electronics, security, and medical industries. They specialize in designing whole product solutions for applications such as mass human fever screening, circuit board failure analysis, and microscopic thermographic analysis of semiconductor and MEMS devices. By utilizing the most recent advances in infrared camera and lens technology, they are able to provide affordable, high-performance thermal imaging systems to our customers.

OptoTherm, Inc.
2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd.
Suite 304
Sewickley, PA 15143
USA

Tel: +1 724.940.7600
Fax: +1 724.940.7611
Email: sales [at] optotherm.com
Web: www.optotherm.com

This post was submitted by sales.