Detection of body temperature with infrared thermography: accuracy in detection of fever

Abstract

Key Messages 1. Infrared thermography (IRT) for detecting body temperature is less accurate in women, elderly people, and those with fever. 2. The core temperature significantly but weakly correlates to the IRT temperatures obtained from frontal and lateral of the face, and the forehead. 3. Among the three areas, the forehead IRT temperature showed the largest discrepancy and poorest correlation with the core temperature. 4. If IRT is used, the lateral maximum temperature of the face should be used. A cut-off temperature of 36ºC gives 77% sensitivity and 74% specificity. 5. Owing to its weak correlation with the core temperature, IRT should not replace direct body temperature measurement in clinical situations.