Thermal image screening solutions continue to play big role in curbing COVID-19 spread

Even with vaccines being rolled out, temperature checks are still needed

It has been over a year since the first case of COVID-19 infection was identified. Since then, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded more than 100,000,000 cases. In the Philippines, the Department of Health recently announced that the country has reached 1,046,653 COVID-19 cases. Of this number, 98.6% showed mild to severe symptoms, while 1.4% showed none.

The stealthy way the virus moves highlights the importance of constant vigilance. WHO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the DOH highlight the importance of wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and regularly and thoroughly washing hands.

COVID-19 affects people in different ways but WHO cites fever as one of its most common symptoms. As the world continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic, placing thermal image screening solutions (TISS) in strategic locations in enclosed high foot traffic places and high density enclosed spaces  have become increasingly necessary for added safety measures. 

With fever as a recognized symptom of COVID-19, accurate thermal image screening can empower establishments to apply the proper interventions for everyone who exhibit fever-grade body temperatures. The common and widely-used “thermometer gun” which quickly measures the surface temperature using an infrared sensor, has ultimately proved to be an ineffective defense mechanism and provides unusually low temperature readings.⁸

The TISS, described as the most accurate thermal image screening solution in the Philippines, is now available for lease in the market.

The award-winning and hospital-grade device, produced in Singapore, is a predictive mass thermal image screening solution that provides fast, reliable, and accurate readings for high-traffic areas such as malls, offices, schools, hotels, and more.

“The Thermal Image Screening Solution (TISS) complements the health and safety protocols of the national government and offers another layer of protection for communities. As the economy is required to open up slowly , establishments must assure their guests that they are a safe place to visit. Thermal image screening solutions are not made equal, so an investment in a hospital-grade device can give peace of mind to customers and potentially slow down the spread of the virus,” says Estephany Ledesma, Spokeswoman of Ligtas Tayo Pinas.

Depending on the user’s preference, an audio or visual alarm is triggered when a higher-than-normal temperature is detected. Since fevers are a known symptom of COVID, an elevated body temperature could be a red flag. The TISS offers real-time temperature screening for up to 60 individuals per minute. Operators can scan multiple individuals simultaneously or in a controlled single-line entrance, thus maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Both options offer convenience and efficiency for both establishments and customers, as security personnel won’t need to manually check temperatures and guests won’t need to wait in line. Since it is contactless, it minimizes the risk of exposure for everyone involved.

The TISS’s thermal sensor detects infra-red (IR) rays emitted by materials within it’s view. Any object that has a temperature emits IR, which is picked up by the thermal sensor and displayed as temperature information. The intensity of IR emitted is dependent on the temperature and emissivity of the material’s surface. As a temperature sensor for people, the device picks up the IR which is correlated to the temperature of the skin. The TISS is one of the most precise and accurate thermal imaging systems available, featuring 110,592 pixels compared to other brands, having pixels ranging from 19,200 pixels to 49,152 pixels maximum. It also has the deepest and widest range in the industry.

Leasing the TISS comes with a thermal sensor unit, the mass temperature screening software module, a laptop, and an operating guide. It is portable, easy to set up, and can be configured in five minutes. It also comes with a one-day product training and full technical support. In addition, it comes with one year limited carry-in local warranty, with the option to extend to two or three years.

The TISS has been given the Outstanding ICT Innovation Award at the Asia Pacific  HIMSS-Elsevier Digital Healthcare Award in 2019. The award-giving body recognizes outstanding achievements and innovations in the use of health information and technology.

Lease of the thermal image screening solution is at P6,888 per month. For P229 a day, establishments can become safe zones where everyone can feel comfortable yet protected. To know more about how to lease or have ownership of the TISS, you may send an email to Ligtas Tayo Pinas here. 

“The fight to contain COVID-19 looks optimistic and we can only win this with everyone’s cooperation. We all must do our share by ensuring that we wash our hands, wear masks, and practice social distancing,” adds Estephany Ledesma.

Ligtas Tayo Pinas is the exclusive importer and distributor of the Thermal Image Screening Solution (TISS) from Singapore. 

For more information, visit https://ligtastayopinas.com/home. 

Specifications Sheet

Detector	Bolometer (uncooled)
Detector Size	384 x 288
Resolution	110,592 px
Spectral range	8 to 14μm
Focal length (longer length means higher magnification)	6.75mm
Thermal sensitivity (NETD)	<50mK
Sensor FOV	56.3°(H) x 41.8°(V)
Max IR Dist	50m
Alarm	Within software
Temperature measurement range	0 – 100°C
Temperature accuracy	±0.1°C (in a controlled chamber environment)
Blackbody	N/A
Power	Direct from laptop
Use with tripod	Yes
Software	Alarm functionRecording function