Get the answers to the questions we’re typically most faced with about the VIRALERT range.
WHAT IS A TEMPERATURE SCREENING SYSTEM AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Temperature screening systems are designed for highly accurate human body temperature measurements, which could play a fundamental role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Using simple and intuitive software, this point-of-entry system provides automatic on-screen and audible alarms to alert the operator so that early action can be taken to protect the premises against the risk of spreading the infection.
The VIRALERT systems are designed to be installed at the point of entry into a building, site or vehicle, scanning one person at a time from a distance of one to two metres. The best place to measure elevated skin temperature is the face, so, by using a fixed camera and calibration source, we define the typical area where the face will appear.
They have a wide enough field of view to cover a range of heights and automatically locate a person’s face, storing temperature data and triggering an alarm if a temperature above the configured maximum is detected.
WHAT MAKES AMETEK LAND AN EXPERT IN SKIN TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT?
LAND has been developing products and technology in measurements since 1947. Its products are supported by industries around the world. Because we have been doing this for such a long time, we have a trusted reputation for market-leading, accurate products.
We patented our first system for healthcare and medical applications in 2003. The Human Body Temperature Measurement System (HBTMS) was a response to SARS. By the time the swine flu outbreak struck in 2009, we’d refreshed and refined that product to develop the original VIRALERT system.
This experience meant that when the COVID-19 pandemic began, we were able to bring a new version of VIRALERT to market quickly (VIRALERT 3), building on the innovations of the original system.
WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF USING A TEMPERATURE-DETECTING THERMAL CAMERA RATHER THAN A DIGITAL THERMOMETER?
The big benefit is that these cameras are non-contact, which makes it safer for everybody, allowing anyone to comply with physical distancing. Staff don’t have to get close to the person being measured, unlike with digital thermometers. There’s also no chance of transferring the virus from an asymptomatic carrier to the next person via the thermometer.
The measurement is also much quicker than traditional methods so there will be minimal impact on the flow of people. VIRALERT 3, our latest technology, scans in approximately two seconds.
Digital thermometers also take the temperature at one small point, while thermal cameras scan the entire face, locating and measuring the hottest points. In addition, a temperature screening system removes human error from the process – there’s no need to manually record data, as it’s automatically handled and stored.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO GET SYSTEMS LIKE THIS UP AND RUNNING? DO YOU REQUIRE ANY TRAINING TO IMPLEMENT THIS?
Setting up VIRALERT 3 is very quick and simple, working straight out of the box. It has an intuitive user interface that doesn’t require any training. If you can use a computer, you can use VIRALERT 3.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I SCREEN AT A TIME AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
You can screen one person at a time. It takes approximately two seconds for the screening to take place, so it is very fast – up to 30 people per minute.
CAN YOU USE VIRALERT 3 OUTSIDE OF A BUILDING?
LAND recommends internal use, as it is better if it is in a controlled environment. It has been used outside with reliable readings but in such cases should be protected from wind and rain as it is not IP sealed and both weather conditions can affect the performance of the system. If you do wish to use externally, we would recommend a screen behind the camera to stop any reflections e.g. car windscreen and sunlight that could affect the reading.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VIRALERT HERE