Improper Use of Thermal Imaging Devices May Provide Inaccurate Temperature Readings: FDA Safety Communication
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication to alert customers, health care providers, and other users of thermal imaging systems intended to measure human body temperature that improper use of these systems may provide inaccurate temperature readings. These devices are also known as telethermographic systems, infrared thermographs, thermal cameras, and “fever cameras.”
In an effort to help mitigate the risks associated with these devices, the FDA is providing important recommendations to customers, health care providers, and other users about the proper and improper use of these systems. For example, thermal imaging systems should measure only one person's temperature at a time. To date, these systems have not been shown to be effective or accurate when used to take the temperature of multiple people at the same time and should not be used for “mass temperature screening.”
The accuracy of these systems depends on careful set-up and operation, as well as proper preparation of the person being evaluated. Customers and health care providers who use thermal imaging systems should be aware of their limitations and the proper and improper use of these systems.
This safety communication provides:
- Recommendations for customers, health care providers, and other users of thermal imaging systems.
- Important information for proper and improper use of thermal imaging systems.
- Background and the FDA's activities and actions related to thermal imaging systems.
- Instructions for reporting problems with thermal imaging systems to the FDA.
Questions?
If you have questions about this safety communication, contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education.
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