Thermal Imaging Survey for COVID-19 Patients
Unlike a standard camera that can only capture visible light, a thermal imaging survey detects radiation emitting from all objects and can convert it into an easy-to-interpret colour visual. Warmer objects (such as faulty heating systems or poorly insulated buildings) stand out from colder ones and appear in different colours, with warmer areas shown in reds and oranges and cooler areas being displayed in blues and purples.
A thermal imaging survey can identify a wide range of issues in both buildings and equipment, from heat loss to leaks. In buildings, it can highlight insulation gaps, water intrusion and electrical system faults such as overheating components. In mechanical equipment it can also highlight excessive friction and cooling, indicating potential failures or fire hazards.
The ABCs of Thermal Imaging Surveys: What You Need to Know
As building designs have become more complex, it is sometimes hard for the human eye to detect heat loss or air infiltration. Thermography can identify these problems and highlight the source of a problem so that it can be fixed.
In the COVID-19 patients, the FD and SX thermal scores did not correlate with RALE or CXR chest X-ray radiographic assessment of lung injury (Fig. 5A). This suggests that a more comprehensive assessment is required to identify the underlying causes of COVID-19-associated lung injury. In particular, factors such as smoking status and age, which might influence a patient’s thermal profile, should be taken into consideration in future studies. These data suggest that a thermal imaging survey may be an important tool to monitor the clinical outcome and treatment of COVID-19 patients over time.