The influence of angles and distance on assessing inner-canthi of the eye skin temperature

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Vardasca, R (Author) FEUP; Marques, AR (Author) Other; Diz, J (Author) Other; Seixas, A (Author) Other; Mendes, J (Author) Other; Ring, EFJ (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Thermology International

Vol. 27

Pages: 130-135

ISSN: 1560-604X

Publisher: European Association of Thermology

Indexing

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-Z8W

Abstract (EN): BACKGROUND: Infrared Thermography (IRT) has been proposed as primary screening method for mass assessment of populations at risk of pandemic condition related to high fever. Similar as other applications of IRT in medicine, distance and angles to target have an influence on the temperature measurements. Those can be partially corrected with extra camera lenses and advanced maths. This research aims to identify the impact of using different distances and angles, using standard camera lenses and standard image analysis software, in the assessment of the inner-canthi of the eye region of interest temperature. METHODS: Thermal images were captured with a portable IR camera FLIR E60 in an air-conditioned room, equipped with a thermo-hygrometer, a carpet with distance and angle information and a chair. A total of 14 healthy participants were recruited who signed their informed consent after the procedure was explained to them. Facial image capture was performed in line with the Glamorgan protocol recommendations. Distances were selected from 70 to 200 cm and angles from 0 to 180 degrees' angles at 15 degrees' intervals. The distance of 100 cm and angle of 90 degrees was used as reference for calculating the differences to the other settings. RESULTS: In all participants, the mean temperature of the inner canthi of the eye varied by 0.1ºC at distances between 80 and 120 cm when compared with the reference, and by 0.4ºC and 0.5ºC at angles of 105 and 75 degrees, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To minimise the measurement error, distances between 80 and 120 cm and angles as close as possible to 90 degrees should be used when the inner-canthi of the eye temperature is recorded with conventional lenses and standard image analysis software for fever screening.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific