Just how accurate are the handheld temperature scanners?

[rvaviator]

15 minutes ago, Max Brok said:

Even industrial 3 point IR temperature instruments need a calibration in the range of the temp. to measure. Then they are very accurate. The one point IR instruments have to measure a skin. These cheap instruments are very sensitive for color and roughness of a surface.

Conclusion: As you stated all instruments are sensitive for calibration and the skill of the operator. A good alternative is a IR camera although a calibration is still necessary but easy.

 

But I can not understand there is no knowledge about this at the checkpoints and the medical specialists keep their mouth shut because they know this.

What you see happening now with the temp-readings and the equipment used is what has been happening in China since this all started.. every supermarket - every housing complex etc .. scan, scan and more scan ... Just part of the normal 'noise' now ...  At least they tend to indicate on the low side ... ???? ...  no point in getting to technical about it  ...

[Lacessit]

On 3/12/2020 at 2:56 PM, CanuckThai said:

Even a decent Ir Thermometer (decent as in 0.001 accuracy) with a range of -50 to 1370 degC or -58 to 2498 DegF will have a 1.5 degC or 2.5 DegF margin of error.  Methinks the 20baht store versions being used, may not inspire confidence, if screening a plane load of Whohan escapees, as "cleared".

 

A measurement to 0.001 degrees C implies a repeatability of 5 significant figures. Impossible unless you are Doctor Spock.

Accuracy is how close one is to the true value. You are talking about precision, a different beast.

Edited March 15, 2020 by Lacessit

[Lacessit]

On 3/13/2020 at 6:42 AM, Crossy said:

Well today I'm definitely dead. Two of the guns (of the same brand) said "Err", the third read 31.9C.

 

The operators are wearing decent masks and gloves and are holding the devices about 1" from the forehead. 

 

I'm not worried about catching anything off them and if I feel unwell I'm staying at home.

 

Like many of these measures (including the metal detectors on the MRT) these things really are just "feel good" devices, no real effect.

 

I'm sorry to hear that, I for one will miss you.

[FritsSikkink]

On ‎3‎/‎12‎/‎2020 at 11:43 AM, bbi1 said:

request time off or quit the job and stay home. You can't work or earn money if you're dead from Covid19. Short term pain for long term gain.

What a panic reaction ????