Batteries are indispensable when we need portable energy instantly. The success of flashlights in the sixties opened the door to amazing opportunities. The news rooms are alive with stories of batteries helping counter coronavirus outbreaks by powering infrared thermometers. We paused on our journey to find out how this works.
Technology Behind Batteries Helping Counter Coronavirus
Infrared hand-held thermometers infer the body temperature of people from the thermal radiation they emit. They use a laser beam to help operators point them accurately. They also have a variety of non-medical uses including detecting hot spots in electrical circuits.
Medical infrared thermometers help maintain hygiene in hospitals, because neither the operator nor the device touches the patient. Back in 2003, R. James Seffrin then Director of Infraspection Institute, Burlington, New Jersey shared breaking news of batteries helping counter coronavirus outbreaks. That was when he addressed a National Conference on Thermal Imagers for Fever Screening at Sheraton Towers Singapore.
Thermal Imaging for Detecting Potential SARS Infections
There were coronavirus outbreaks in Asia in 2003, and the year before. These triggered cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome associated with elevated body temperatures. Officials at airports began scanning travelers with battery-powered infrared hand-held thermometers, to identify potential carriers.
The current generation of infrared thermometers is far more accurate than ones used at the time R. James Seffrin delivered his address. However, they are still not quite as accurate as thermometers touching a human body. None the less, these battery-powered devices using alkaline or lithium-ion cells are highly effective for quick spot checks. It must be quite unnerving to have a hand-held, gun-like device pointed at one’s forehead at close range.
None of this would be possible for a patrolling officer, were it not for the amazing value batteries add to our medical devices.
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Preview Image: Infrared Laser Thermometer
Video Share Link: https://youtu.be/ccSZIBhsRvE
