How long do body scanners take

Thermal imaging systems and non-contact infrared thermometers NCITs use different forms of infrared technology to measure temperature. Figure 1 demonstrates the proper thermal imaging setup for processing of individual people in a public area. The person who handles the system should follow all manufacturer instructions to make sure the system is set up properly and located where it can measure surface skin temperature accurately.

The person who handles the system should be trained to properly prepare both the location where the system will be used, and the person being evaluated, to increase accuracy.

For details, see the standards and scientific papers listed under References below. Figure 3 demonstrates the proper thermal imaging setup for processing of individual people using a calibrated blackbody background.

A: When using a thermal imaging system, it is important to assess whether the system will provide the intended results in high throughput areas. We understand that these devices are being used for initial temperature assessment and triage of individuals for elevated temperatures in medical and non-medical environments.

Each image slice corresponds to a wafer-thin section which can be viewed to reveal body structures in great detail. CT is recognized as an invaluable medical tool for the diagnosis of disease, trauma, or abnormality in patients with signs or symptoms of disease.

It's also used for planning, guiding, and monitoring therapy. What's new is that CT is being marketed as a preventive or proactive health care measure to healthy individuals who have no symptoms of disease. Taking preventive action, finding unsuspected disease, uncovering problems while they are treatable, these all sound great, almost too good to be true!

In fact, at this time the Food and Drug Administration FDA knows of no scientific evidence demonstrating that whole-body scanning of individuals without symptoms provides more benefit than harm to people being screened.

For example, you may need a scan of the head after an injury. In these cases, your doctor thinks the benefits are greater than the risks. When you have a scan on one body part, your risks are limited. There is protection for other parts—like the lead blanket that covers you during dental X-rays.

Often, whole-body scans show some things that do not look normal. Almost all of these are harmless. But in one study, about a third of patients were referred for more imaging tests. With an eye to present-day pandemic precautions and future uncertainties, Memorial Hermann Health System has installed four thermal scanners to take the body temperatures of people entering two of its busiest facilities.

Individuals with higher temperatures, like those associated with COVID, can be identified quickly. The thermal scanners also minimize physical contact at a time of social distancing and streamline the flow of employees during shift changes, when entrances see the most foot traffic. Read our daily updates HERE.