As businesses resume operations after the coronavirus pandemic, they’re embracing strict screening and new ways of living — including frequent handwashing, social distancing, and wearing face masks. Getting a temperature check has also become part of the new normal, and thermal scanner have received buzz as a way to quickly scan people for fevers.

A thermal scanning camera uses infrared to detect the heat radiation emitted from a person’s body. It can identify the location of elevated temperatures and is useful in airports and other large public spaces to help spot possible outbreaks of COVID-19 or other diseases.

The best area to scan for elevated body temperatures is skin below the arteries. This is because the arteries tend to be closer to core body temperature and blood can easily transport heat from the artery to the skin. However, hair strands, sweat droplets and even makeup can affect the results and may result in false positives, so some companies now use devices that are designed to detect temperature elevations from the wrist.

Safety First: How Thermal Scanners Are Revolutionizing Security Measures

In addition to spotting elevated temperatures, thermal imaging cameras can be used to locate electrical issues in industrial and commercial settings. These cameras can detect faulty wiring, hot spots and steam traps and other problems that could otherwise be difficult to find.

Another medical application of thermography is paraspinal thermography, which can measure the activity of your nervous system and see how your spine and the surrounding muscles are working in harmony. Thermography can be beneficial for spinal health and nervous system function because long term research has confirmed that the nervous system plays a critical role in maintaining good health.