Using an infra-red thermometer to screen for Covid
Many Dental Practices are using an infra-red thermometer to screen for Covid-19 on arrival. Some are finding that it’s an excellent tool for demonstrating to their patients that they are taking their screening seriously. It’s also an excellent way to stop people at the door to recheck the other screening questions. If you are checking temperatures on arrival I’m not suggesting that you stop.
However, as a medical emergency trainer there are a few cautions that I would like to make you aware of:-
- Don’t miss your patients with Sepsis. Have a policy in place for your patients that potentially have Sepsis. As we know Sepsis is a life-threatening condition. It’s important that we don’t send someone away who may have a fever due to Sepsis rather than Covid. You may like to have the screening tools from The Sepsis Trust available to help guide your decision making.
- Remember a fever is not the only sign of Covid or Sepsis. It’s therefore very important to carry out your ABCDE assessment on anyone you are concerned about and think about any other signs that are present.
- Be aware that Sepsis can also present with a temperature below normal, i.e. below 36. It’s important not to think that ‘they’re ok because their temperature is ok’.
- Ensure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some instructions may include waiting for both the thermometer and the individual to be in the same temperature for a period of time. This isn’t practicable at the moment but we do need to bear in mind environmental influences. I live in Derbyshire, it’s cold and as a consequence my temperature often reads as hypothermic!
The MHRA also made a press release about not relying on the thermal scan devices as a Covid-19 screening tool. Just be cautious!
If you have any questions or comments about your experience with these thermometers please comment below. I would love to hear from you.
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