Proactive equipment maintenance is important for businesses of all kinds, but it’s especially critical in industries like manufacturing, distribution, and electrical power production, which depend on seamless equipment operation. Proactive maintenance takes different forms, with some more effective than others. Prescriptive maintenance (RxM) is at the forefront of proactive asset management, providing more actionable insights than previously possible. An RxM program not only alerts reliability professionals to potential problems but also provides specific information on the type of problem that’s arising and what actions are required to address it.

How is prescriptive maintenance different?

You can think of proactive maintenance as a continuum of methods that provide various degrees of insight into equipment needs. Which method is ideal for any particular business depends on several factors. A company with more critical and valuable equipment will benefit more from prescriptive maintenance, and one that already has equipment monitoring and data management infrastructure in place will be better prepared to implement such a program. On the other hand, companies with less critical or costly equipment may be well served by a less robust maintenance plan. 

Scheduled Preventive Maintenance

At one end of the spectrum is calendar based preventive maintenance. In its most basic form, this relies on equipment manufacturers’ recommendations to create a regular schedule of maintenance tasks. It doesn’t require any special technology and is generally more cost effective than simply letting equipment run until it fails. For small businesses, businesses with low equipment costs, and those that can better accommodate downtime, this can be an advantageous method. 

Even when rigorously following a preventive maintenance pre-planned schedule, problems can arise unexpectedly. When they occur between scheduled maintenance events, unplanned downtime and potentially costly repairs can follow. On the other hand, because it lacks insight into how machinery is actually functioning, simply following a maintenance schedule can also involve some degree of waste.

Additionally, following a scheduled preventive maintenance process can potentially introduce problems where none previously existed. For example, a large gear box, when new, is essentially a sealed system. However if the manufacturer’s preventive maintenance schedule calls for opening and visually inspecting the gear mesh, then the maintainer would need to open the casing, exposing the interior workings of the gear box to contamination and thereby introducing a failure mode that hadn’t existed prior to this visual inspection. 

Condition-Based Maintenance 

A condition-based maintenance strategy utilizes real-time data input from sensors. Alerts and notifications are triggered when the sensors detect a need for maintenance based on preset thresholds for operational variables like temperature, vibration, and energy usage. (This is true for MSAI Connect, a fixed mounted continuous monitoring solution, but we should also mention route-based inspections. People can have an in-house team or hire an inspection service company to perform these… we should emphasize hiring experienced professionals. Inspections should be performed by experienced experts leveraging cutting-edge technologies. Inspection helps to ensure efficiency and reliability in their operations. Plus, they help ensure compliance.) When a sensor detects an anomaly, workers can be instantly alerted so they can take immediate action to investigate the issue. This not only helps safeguard valuable equipment but can also protect public and worker safety by detecting leaks and electrical hotspots as soon as they occur.(CbM can also identify mechanical inefficiencies, i.e. a failing bearing or overtightened conveyor belt.) 

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance uses a combination of sensors and data analytics to identify trends and predict when a machine is likely to fail. Because it uses data-driven insights in addition to real-time operational data, a predictive maintenance system can detect problems earlier than condition-based monitoring alone. This allows businesses to schedule maintenance when it’s needed while reducing unplanned downtime.

Prescriptive Maintenance

Prescriptive maintenance is the next generation of proactive equipment maintenance. It does everything a preventive maintenance system does and adds the power of AI and machine learning to take the next steps of pinpointing the root causes of issues and recommending specific solutions. Instead of simply giving a heads up that there’s a problem with a particular machine, a prescriptive maintenance system can identify the root cause of the issue and provide insight as to how to prevent it in the future. For example, the system might recommend specific maintenance task, or specific setting adjustments, to optimize asset performance and prevent unexpected failure.

MultiSensor AI for RxM

MultiSensor AI is at the forefront of developing technologies that make prescriptive maintenance possible. The MSAI Connect platform is a prime example. MSAI Connect combines advanced sensing and imaging technologies that capture a wide range of data on equipment health with AI-powered software that analyzes this data to identify patterns, predict potential problems, and deliver prescriptive recommendations to optimize machine performance and prevent failures. An RxM program backed by MultiSensor AI can help equipment-reliant businesses minimize downtime, make better informed decisions about equipment care and upkeep, and reduce equipment maintenance and replacement costs.

All businesses can benefit from a proactive approach to equipment maintenance. While a simple routine maintenance plan may be the right solution for many companies, those that depend heavily on the seamless operation of high value equipment need a more robust solution. MultiSensor AI provides the cutting-edge tools these businesses need to implement condition-based, predictive, or prescriptive maintenance programs. Browse our blog to learn more about how to build a more effective maintenance strategy.

If you depend on machinery to keep your operation running smoothly, how you manage your company’s equipment is vitally important. There are two main approaches to maintaining these critical assets: run to failure (RTF) and condition-based monitoring. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each approach and discuss how you can optimize the health of your company’s assets.

Run to Failure

RTF is a reactive maintenance strategy. You allow equipment to run until it stops working. This “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” strategy can be tempting to adopt because it allows you to keep everything moving as long as possible, avoiding the need to invest in monitoring equipment or interrupt progress with planned downtime. Rather than spending resources on proactive maintenance, you focus that energy on productivity.

RTF, however, can be a risky approach. When you allow equipment to keep running until you encounter a problem, downtime becomes unpredictable, repairs are often more costly, and malfunctioning machinery is more likely to pose safety hazards to employees and perhaps even the larger community. When breakdowns occur, the costs associated with these issues can quickly surpass the time and money you save in the short term.

Condition-Based Monitoring

CBM, on the other hand, is a proactive strategy for asset management. Using sensors and advanced data analytics, businesses can detect issues at their earliest stages, before they escalate into larger problems, significantly disrupt operations, or threaten worker health and safety. When properly implemented, CBM saves time and money while enhancing worker safety.

CBM vs. Preventive Maintenance

CBM is not the old preventive maintenance model. In the past, a proactive approach to equipment maintenance required regularly scheduled maintenance aimed at preventing problems from occurring. Parts were replaced according to manufacturers’ recommendations, no matter their actual condition, to head off issues. While this can reduce risk compared to an RTF model, it tends to both waste resources by fixing nonexistent problems and miss issues that arise between regularly scheduled maintenance tasks. By utilizing sensors and AI-enabled data analysis, managers get real-time insight into the condition of machinery and components, allowing them to target maintenance where it’s needed most without having to wait for problems to surface.

Benefits of Condition-Based Monitoring

CBM offers businesses multiple benefits, including the ability to perform predictive maintenance, extend equipment life, save time and money, and improve safety.

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance is an asset management strategy that uses the power of AI to glean actionable insights from sensor data. Sensors collect data on variables like temperature and vibration, which remain within a certain range during normal operation. Changes in these variables often indicate specific changes in how a machine is operating. Users set key performance indicators for each machine, and the AI analyzes the constant stream of sensor data, allowing key employees to view detailed customized reports via a single pane of glass. Instant notifications can alert decision-makers to anomalies, so they can order appropriate maintenance precisely when and where it’s needed. This allows businesses to save money in multiple ways.

• Catching problems early can prolong equipment life, increasing the ROI of these assets.
• A predictive maintenance program can reduce maintenance costs by eliminating the need for regularly scheduled tasks.
• When maintenance isn’t an emergency, managers can schedule tasks for when downtime will have the least possible impact on the operation.

Customer Satisfaction

When your operation runs smoothly, your business is best able to keep your customers happy and coming back to you. Preventing equipment failure allows you to consistently deliver products on time. Not only does this help your business grow, but it also prevents costs associated with customer dissatisfaction such as refunds, contractual penalties, customer attrition, or even lawsuits.

Workplace Safety

Real-time alerts help ensure that equipment problems don’t slip through the cracks due to improper maintenance practices. Because properly running equipment is less likely to injure workers or cause any kind of environmental or property damage, condition-based monitoring can be an integral part of an overall risk management strategy. Additionally, when you invest in building a safer workplace, you help build a more satisfied workforce. In turn, you can enjoy lower turnover rates and reduce overall hiring costs.

An RTF approach to asset maintenance may save time and money in the short term, but it poses significant risks to profitability as well as workplace safety. Condition-based monitoring allows businesses to avoid unnecessary routine maintenance costs without risking costly and potentially dangerous equipment failures. With continuous monitoring and real-time insights into equipment operation, organizations gain greater control of their critical assets.

MultiSensor AI for Effective CBM Implementation

MultiSensor AI (MSAI) is an AI-powered condition monitoring system designed for industrial environments. Easily integrable with common business intelligence systems like EAM, DCS, PLC, and SCADA, MSAI can automatically generate work orders or trigger other responses to anomalies in the system you already use. To provide businesses the security and accessibility features that best support their specific needs, MSAI is available for both cloud and on-premises use.

To learn more about condition-based monitoring, predictive maintenance, and how AI can power more efficient and effective asset management, browse the MSAI blog.

As a business leader, you want to protect your organization from liabilities while optimizing productivity and profitability. Keeping machinery running smoothly, safely, and efficiently with preventive maintenance is an important part of supporting these objectives. An effective, proactive maintenance program has many benefits. It cuts costs and minimizes downtime while extending equipment life and improving energy efficiency, customer satisfaction, and environmental sustainability. Implementing cutting-edge smart technology enables you to go a step beyond by creating a predictive maintenance routine that relies on real-time insights to help you pinpoint what maintenance tasks need to be done and when. In this article, we’ll explore how predictive maintenance can help you protect your assets and keep your operation running smoothly.

The Importance of Preventive Maintenance

In its most basic form, preventive maintenance relies on regular checkups to ensure machinery is running within defined parameters and prevent premature failure. This allows businesses to avoid the costs and downtime that arise when machinery breaks down. However, because this kind of preventive maintenance is performed on a set schedule, it can miss problems that arise between scheduled maintenance tasks. On the other hand, it also requires technicians to work on machines that are working perfectly well, undermining operational efficiency. Despite these drawbacks, preventive maintenance saves substantial time, money, and other resources compared to a break/fix model.

Smart Technology and Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance is a strategy that uses real-time information about asset condition to schedule maintenance tasks. Remote monitoring combined with machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies can make this process seamless, analyzing data to provide moment-by-moment insight into equipment condition and performance. This data-driven approach enables businesses to avoid unnecessary maintenance while better ensuring continuous equipment availability and extending machinery life. A predictive maintenance program has several advantages over a traditional preventive maintenance plan.

More Efficient Maintenance Planning

Predictive maintenance allows for more effective resource planning. It avoids the dangers of fixing equipment only after it breaks as well as the unnecessary costs of regularly scheduled maintenance. Performing maintenance tasks only when needed can save money on parts, labor, and planned downtime, and real-time visibility into the condition and performance of your machinery lets you make maintenance decisions with confidence.

Less Unplanned Downtime

Often, AI-powered insights into equipment performance can predict problems before issues become apparent to human observers. With the enhanced vigilance this smart technology offers, you’re better equipped to prevent breakdowns that interrupt operations and waste labor hours. Maintenance can be scheduled before equipment breaks, at times that are least disruptive to your business.

Longer Equipment Life

When you have continuous information about how your equipment is operating, you gain the power to resolve issues before they threaten the health and longevity of your machinery. An immediate heads up about anomalies in equipment performance allows you to take the best possible care of your assets so they last longer. By avoiding the need to replace machinery prematurely, an AI-enabled predictive maintenance system could quickly deliver a positive ROI.

Improved Safety

Business is about more than profits; it’s also about people. Your employees and your community trust you to operate your business safely. You can honor that trust and protect the people who make it possible for you to do business by identifying and addressing potential hazards promptly. A predictive maintenance program that integrates modern smart technologies can alert your team as soon as equipment deviates from defined parameters, giving them precious time to mitigate risks and prevent harm to people as well as property and shared natural resources.

Enhanced Sustainability

When you reduce waste and improve safety in your operation, you lighten its environmental footprint. As awareness of environmental perils grows, the public is increasingly holding companies accountable for their impacts. To survive and thrive into the future, businesses must become part of the solution. Predictive maintenance allows you to prevent environmental damage while also supporting your company’s bottom line.

MSAI Connect for Predictive Maintenance

MSAI Connect is an AI-enabled condition monitoring platform designed to prevent asset failures and safety hazards throughout a facility. Powered by Amazon Web Services, MSAI Connect uses remote thermal imaging to identify temperature deviations based on user-set KPIs. Customizable dashboards create at-a-glance visibility into key variables, and real-time alerts instantly notify employees when anomalies are detected, allowing them to proactively address issues before they escalate into larger problems.

Predictive maintenance is a valuable, forward-thinking strategy in modern asset management. Implementing a data-driven maintenance strategy can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and protect the safety of your facility, your employees, and your community. Using AI-powered analytics, thermal sensors, and smart technology can help you anticipate when machinery is likely to malfunction, reducing unplanned downtime and maintenance costs while optimizing equipment performance. Explore our site to learn more about the MSAI Connect platform and how thermal imaging can enhance safety and efficiency.

Transitioning to a data-driven predictive maintenance program offers numerous benefits. Many business leaders understand that adopting a predictive maintenance model can enhance efficiency, extend equipment life, reduce waste, and strengthen their company’s bottom line. However, they may not realize that predictive maintenance programs can also directly benefit their employees, enhancing worker safety, providing opportunities for professional growth, and supporting greater work-life balance. In this article, we’ll examine several ways a predictive maintenance strategy can help you build a happier, healthier, and more satisfied workforce.

A Safer Workplace 

Today’s smart condition-based monitoring solutions provide a wealth of insights that allow businesses to proactively identify equipment issues before they lead to failures or breakdowns. Using advanced sensors, data analytics, and artificial intelligence , these solutions continuously assess how equipment is functioning in real time. When sensors pick up abnormal readings that suggest potential issues, businesses can proactively investigate and address any problems before they escalate and create safety risks.

Unexpected equipment problems can be dangerous for workers. Machinery could suddenly start, stop, or move without warning, putting employees in harm’s way. Malfunctioning electrical equipment could start fires or pose electrocution risks. When processes involve hazardous materials, equipment glitches could lead to leaks or spills, endangering not only workers but also the larger community. A predictive maintenance strategy gives businesses the insight to stay ahead of the game and keep workers safer.

When equipment malfunctions occur without warning, the pressure is on to get them fixed quickly. Every minute that production is halted costs the operation money, and workers may be pressed to rush emergency repairs. With predictive maintenance, repairs are scheduled for when they have the least impact on operations, giving personnel the time they need to complete the work correctly and safely. Before continuing production, workers can ensure the equipment is functioning optimally, helping to ensure both productivity and safety for operators.

Enhanced Professional Opportunities 

Implementing the advanced technologies that enable a predictive maintenance strategy creates opportunities for employees. As they learn to work with these technologies, they develop new skills and expertise, creating opportunities for advancement and enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. Employees who actively participate in implementing these technologies gain valuable experience and highly marketable professional skills that can fuel career growth.

Better Work-Life Balance 

Work-life balance is a major concern in all types of companies, affecting worker health and morale as well as work quality and productivity. With the ability to schedule maintenance tasks in advance and avoid costly disruptions, businesses can offer their employees more predictable schedules and avoid unnecessary overtime. They can avoid having to call employees in on their days off to deal with emergencies, allowing them to fully enjoy their leisure time and come to work refreshed, rested, and ready to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.

Improved Job Satisfaction 

By preventing unexpected equipment failures and downtime, businesses enable employees to remain focused on creating value for the business while they’re on the clock. When unplanned downtime disrupts workflow, employees can become frustrated, and their motivation and morale can suffer. Employees want to feel they make a difference in the workplace and that their efforts are important and valued. When technical issues frequently prevent them from getting the job done, the result can be high turnover and difficulty recruiting top talent.

The safety benefits of predictive maintenance also help to boost employee morale and create a supportive company culture. No one wants to have to worry about being injured in a workplace accident. Employees feel more valued and respected and experience less stress on the job when they see their employers taking proactive steps to protect their health and safety. As a result, workplaces with great safety records are better positioned to attract and retain quality employees.

Empowered Employees 

Employees who are trained to participate in a predictive maintenance plan are empowered to make their workplaces safer, more efficient, and more productive and profitable. They learn to use predictive maintenance software to identify potential hazards, communicate openly with management and other employees about their findings, and engage in data-driven decision making. As they do so, they help to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation and actively contribute to optimizing production and increasing operational efficiency.

Business Benefits of Predictive Maintenance 

Happier, healthier, and motivated employees are good for business. When everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to a company’s excellence, teamwork truly can make the dream work. Predictive maintenance not only helps companies build strong teams but also directly supports the bottom line in several ways:

• Reduced maintenance costs
• Less downtime
• Greater operational efficiency
• Extended equipment lifespan
• Enhanced productivity
• Prevention of accidents and injuries, reducing the risk of workers’ compensation claims, lawsuits, and property damage
• Improved overall equipment effectiveness
• Better informed resource allocation
• Enhanced safety, which could result in lower insurance premiums

Data is becoming increasingly important in business. To put the power of data to work for your company, you need robust, AI-enabled software that can sort through the noise to deliver actionable insights. Implementing a solution to power data-driven predictive maintenance can help your business stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological environment, achieve long-term success, and cultivate a more empowered and engaged workforce.

MSAI Connect can help you achieve these goals. Recently released MSAI Connect is the next generation of AI-powered solutions for enhancing asset reliability, operational efficiency, process control, and employee safety. This cutting-edge solution provides users a comprehensive view of all assets in a single customizable interface while AI-powered data analytics turn sensor data into actionable insights. With the ability to integrate seamlessly with leading enterprise asset management systems, MSAI Connect lets business leaders eliminate data silos and streamline workflows.

Across industries, executives and leaders are always on the search for ways to boost ROI and limit downtime. If conveyor systems play a critical role in your operation, optimizing the management of these key assets can play an important role in enhancing overall efficiency. In this article, we’ll examine the benefits of condition-based monitoring (CbM) for conveyor systems and how current technology can help prevent downtime, extend asset life, and optimize maintenance scheduling.

Is your current asset reliability plan enough?

You probably have an asset reliability plan that includes a regular maintenance routine. While this has been considered a best practice in the past, it falls short of the precision that CbM offers. Technological advances now allow companies to get real-time insight into asset performance, so emerging problems won’t go unnoticed until the next scheduled preventive maintenance. Infrared cameras paired with specific AI algorithms can detect conveyor problems like overheating, overloading, abnormal friction, overtightened or misaligned belts, and improper maintenance. Detecting and addressing these problems early saves time and money while protecting worker safety. 

How much does downtime cost your company?

Downtime undermines your bottom line. Every minute of halted production affects revenues and productivity. A 2006 survey of auto industry manufacturers, including parts suppliers as well as auto makers, found that downtime cost these companies an average of $22,000 per minute; that’s equivalent to more than $34,000 in buying power in 2023. While downtime costs vary across industries, its’ often more expensive than leaders think.

Companies generally recognize obvious costs of downtime like lost production capacity, wasted materials, diverted labor, and additional maintenance costs. Often, however, other costs such as back-office labor, utilities, lost sales opportunities, and damaged customer relations are overlooked. Whatever your company’s actual cost of downtime, preventing it is an important part of running an efficient operation and maximizing ROI. 

Benefits of Condition-Based Monitoring

Condition-based monitoring is a proactive strategy that uses sensors and data analytics to monitor conveyor systems and components such as bearings, motors, and belts. By continuously collecting and analyzing data, CbM systems can detect early signs of degradation, extending the lifetime value of the conveyor system and allowing maintenance personnel to address issues before they escalate into breakdowns and result in downtime.

Addressing equipment issues as soon as possible has many benefits. Some of the most important include

• Downtime prevention
• Enhanced asset reliability
• Extended equipment life
• Reduced maintenance costs (including parts, labor, shipping, and the back-office time it takes to arrange emergency maintenance)
• Enhanced worker safety

How do condition-based monitoring systems work?

Many factors can trigger failures in conveyor belt systems. The belt may be overloaded or misaligned, maintenance may have been performed incorrectly, or components could succumb to wear and tear. Regularly scheduled maintenance can catch some of these problems, but even with preventive maintenance, manufacturers, logistics operations, and other businesses that rely on conveyors still experience breakdowns and downtime.

Continuous, Real-Time Data & Analytics

CbM provides a window into the performance of conveyor equipment and its critical components, empowering companies to reduce operational disruptions, prevent downtime, optimize materials use and energy consumption, and boost efficiency and overall equipment effectiveness. Advanced infrared imaging and sensing technology, integrated with software that continuously monitors and analyzes equipment data, can provide real-time insights into performance and even use artificial intelligence to predict issues before they arise.

More Precise Maintenance

A CbM system establishes a baseline thermal profile of equipment so it can quickly identify temperature anomalies. In conveyor belt systems, abnormal temperatures can signal problems like friction, blockage, and overheating. By employing a CbM system that continuously monitors equipment temperatures and automatically delivers alerts and notifications to key employees, operations can address these issues promptly, potentially preventing downtime and materials waste as well as fire and other hazards. Additionally, maintenance can be scheduled based on the actual condition of equipment rather than at predetermined intervals, optimizing the maintenance budget and use of employee time.

Industry Applications

Various industries that rely on conveyor belt systems can benefit from AI-enabled CbM. For example,

• Manufacturers can monitor equipment status in real time, receive temperature pattern analysis reports, detect hot spots, trigger alerts, and build a predictive maintenance plan to ensure conveyor belt systems are reliable and safe.
• Logistics and distribution businesses can use CbM to optimize product flow as well as manage maintenance to reduce disruptions to operations.
• CbM can reduce the risk of fire in paper mills by automatically sending instant alerts when temperatures fall outside of normal operating parameters as well as developing a proactive predictive maintenance strategy. 

MSAI Cloud Condition Monitoring

MSAI Cloud uses advanced thermal imaging technology and AI-enabled software to enhance asset reliability. Providing customizable dashboards and analytics, remote video monitoring, automatic alerts, and seamless integration with VMS and DCS platforms, MSAI Cloud empowers business leaders to improve ROI, operational efficiency, and worker safety. MultiSensor AI, the maker of MSAI Cloud, has been a trusted thermography innovator since 1995. Our mission is to develop and manufacture the most sensitive, accurate, and competitively priced infrared cameras in the world. 

Businesses are always searching for ways to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve the performance of their assets. In the manufacturing industry, this includes taking proactive steps to keep equipment operating reliably for as long as possible. Traditionally, this has entailed following a rigid preventive maintenance schedule. However, new technologies could be making regularly scheduled maintenance a thing of the past.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping to create efficiencies across a wide range of industries. One way it is doing this is by transforming the practice of proactive equipment maintenance. In the past, machinery components had to be maintained and swapped out on a regular basis to avoid unexpected breakdowns. However, this method can both undertreat and overtreat problems. On one hand, parts are frequently replaced well before the end of their useful lives, and on the other, unexpected problems can arise between maintenance checks. AI now offers manufacturers a cost-saving alternative. This article will explore the predictive maintenance process and how AI is being employed to enhance equipment reliability, minimize downtime, and optimize operations.

Understanding Predictive Maintenance

A predictive maintenance program combines equipment monitoring with AI-enabled software. First, machines are equipped with sensors that constantly collect data in real time. The data is then fed to the AI, which uses it to provide instant insights into equipment conditions and predict potential failures. Because predictive maintenance helps manufacturers spot problems before they occur, they can avoid the twin pitfalls of preventive maintenance schedules: unnecessary maintenance and missed opportunities for prevention.

Predictive maintenance gives manufacturers a new way to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. By leveraging data and smart technology to predict asset issues at the earliest possible stage, they can move away from a calendar-based maintenance schedule and deploy their maintenance budget more strategically. As they do so, they can begin to eliminate unnecessary maintenance costs, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and extend the life of their equipment.

The Role of AI in Predictive Maintenance

AI plays a fundamental role in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the vast amounts of data needed to conduct a successful predictive maintenance program. Without it, the data supplied by equipment sensors would be of limited use. The AI-enabled software combines this data with other information like historical records and environmental factors to shed light on operational anomalies, enabling it to identify impending issues.

Potential Challenges of Implementing Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance can be a game changer for manufacturers. However, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges before you begin implementing a new program.

Resistance to Change

First, it’s critical to get internal teams, including maintenance employees, on board with the strategy. As new technologies arise, some resistance to change is natural. Early in the process, communicate with employees about the benefits of predictive maintenance and how it can improve their jobs. Not only will maintenance workers be relieved of unnecessary tasks, but machine operators and others in the vicinity can avoid potential injuries from malfunctioning equipment.

Data Quality

A common phrase used in computer science is, “garbage in, garbage out.” This concept is important when deploying any AI solution. To provide accurate insights, AI programs need reliably accurate data. Ensure that the equipment sensors you’re using are up to the job.

AI Capabilities

It’s important to invest in an AI solution that’s proven to deliver accurate predictive maintenance insights in manufacturing facilities. Take the time to research solutions, and look for companies that offer free demos of their software. Understanding how the product works and the insights it can (and can’t) provide is key to understanding its potential to generate return on your investment.

On-Site Resources

Constant collection, transmission, and analysis of large quantities of data demands a substantial amount of processing power and requires strong, reliable internet connectivity. It’s important to ensure a facility is equipped to handle these demands before investing in AI technology for predictive maintenance.

Integration with Existing Technology

When you implement a new maintenance system, you don’t want to have to get rid of the technology you already rely on. Be sure the solution you choose integrates with the systems you use, enhancing their capabilities rather than forcing you to replace systems that are working.

MSAI Connect for Predictive Maintenance

In complex manufacturing facilities, MSAI Connect conducts continuous thermal monitoring and analysis, helping maintain quality control and informing predictive maintenance decisions. Thermal cameras monitor the temperature of assets like motors, conveyors, and electrical systems and feed the information to the MSAI Connect platform. Users can set benchmarks and KPIs to identify deviations, allowing the AI to predict problems before they occur. As a result, facilities can enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and prevent both downtime and safety risks.

MSAI Connect is capable of processing and analyzing diverse data sources, combining sensor input with historical and environmental data to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential issues that would go unnoticed by manufacturers who rely on traditional preventive maintenance scheduling. Critically, it can be seamlessly integrated with VMS and DCS platforms, allowing you to get more from your existing technology investment.

With MSAI Connect, manufacturers can lay the groundwork for an effective predictive maintenance program. Properly implemented, MSAI Connect can help reduce costs, extend equipment life, improve safety, and optimize allocation of resources. MultiSensor AI's mission is to develop and manufacture the most sensitive, accurate, and competitively priced infrared cameras in the world. Learn more about us and how we can support your predictive maintenance program.

Listen on your preferred podcast platform: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and AWS.

On this episode of Innovation Ambassadors, AWS showcases the cloud innovation journey of Infrared Cameras Inc. (ICI). ICI is a leading manufacturer of infrared cameras and software solutions that provide valuable insights into manufacturing and industrial processes, by monitoring thermal data.

Joining on this journey are Jeff Guida, ICI's Chief Innovation Officer; Abhishek Madaan, Sr. Software Engineer from ICI; and Ozan Cihangir, Prototyping Engineer from AWS. Host Sara Armstrong explores their collaborative efforts with the AWS Prototyping team and their mission to transform infrared video streaming, focusing on cost optimization, reduced latency, and enhanced resilience throughout their architecture.

Episode Number: 34

Date: May 18, 2023

Speakers: Host: Sara Armstrong (Sr. Manager for Worldwide Prototyping); Guests: Jeff Guida, ICI's Chief Innovation Officer; Abhishek Madaan, Sr. Software Engineer from ICI; and Ozan Cihangir, Prototyping Engineer from AWS

Discover more Innovation Ambassadors episodes on AWS, Spotify, and your preferred podcast platform.

If you’re a plant safety manager, you need accurate and actionable insights to manage risks in your plant. Safety equipment can be a priceless tool in assessing risks to personnel and ensuring legal compliance. This is where optical gas imaging (OGI) is essential. OGI technology can help you mitigate common plant dangers and hazards. Keep reading to learn more about these types of imaging tools and how they can help you manage safety.

Common Dangers  

Many plants must deal with volatile organic compound (VOC) gases that can be hazardous to personnel and the environment. Leaks are not only costly but also a fundamental safety hazard. Methane and natural gas emissions make the news regularly for several reasons. These gases can create long-term health problems. They are flammable and explosive. Natural gas leaks can kill wildlife in surrounding areas and contributes to climate change. These inherent dangers can lead to both reputational and legal repercussions. Naturally, you want to keep these gases in the piping systems, pipelines, wells, and compressor stations as much as possible. This is why leak detection is critical. 

Why Do Leaks Happen?

Understanding how leaks happen and why mitigating the risk is challenging. Leaks can occur due to old equipment, lack of maintenance, or improper installation. With thousands of flanges, unions, and welded and threaded connections, leaks are difficult to prevent. When they occur, it’s critical to identify and address them as soon as possible, as unidentified risks can create devastating consequences. 

How Is Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) Used?

OGI is a means of visualizing gas leaks that are otherwise invisible. It uses an infrared camera with a specialized filter. An OGI camera can visualize multiple hydrocarbon gases, including, but not limited to:

• Methane
• Benzene 
• Butane
• Ammonia
• Sulfur dioxide 

OGI technology can be a fast and effective way to detect gas leaks, allowing safety managers to conduct real-time monitoring of potential problem areas.

Types of Gas Detection Cameras

Different types of cameras are available to fit individual plant requirements.

Handheld Cameras

Handheld cameras can be used for day-to-day monitoring, inspections, and risk assessment. Teams can gain valuable insights that can help determine where and why leaks are occurring. The data compiled creates a highly accurate picture of close to mid-range targets and can be used for reporting and referencing. With built-in WiFi for data streaming, this information can be shared with teams instantly. 

Remote Infrared Systems

Remote controlled cameras are designed for canvassing large areas. Remote infrared cameras can be operated from the ground and attached to aerial solutions such as drones, small helicopters, or planes. They are self-stabilizing and have a range of 1 to 1.5 miles. Remote controlled cameras are a popular choice for plants that need imaging of the surrounding area or hard-to-reach locations as well as those that have difficulty pinpointing where leaks occur.

Fixed Mounted Cameras

Fixed cameras are an excellent choice for regular surveillance and monitoring. They can provide critical data on a given area or fixed points such as highly volatile chambers, including flare towers, thief hatches, and refinery processing units. High definition allows teams to effectively track and trace leakage points. For facility managers, fixed OGI cameras offer a straightforward solution to risk management, providing continuous live data so you can plan effective short- and long-term risk management strategies. 

Building cameras and sensors that find invisible gas leaks is ICI's number one priority. Explore our website to learn about our OGI technology or to learn more about how we serve the oil and gas industry.

Contributed by: Tori Acres, BEng(Mech)/BIT, CPCFT

There is no doubt that dog sports can be fun for both dogs and handlers; looking after the welfare of canine athletes is imperative to ensure they can enjoy their sport and perform at a competitive level. This article looks at utilizing thermal imaging to gain a deeper insight into the dog’s physiological state and how information gained through Canine Sports Thermography allows handlers to make informed choices that promote the welfare of their athletes and competitive performances.

Canine Athletes in Dog Sports

With a large variety of dog sports to choose from and a vast array of dog breeds, there is a sport for every dog-handler team. Once the dog-sport passion has been ignited, keeping dogs in optimal form becomes a high priority. Handlers want to ensure the well-being of their canine athlete and maintain the ability to participate in the chosen sport.

Welfare and competition performance are not mutually exclusive. A dog unable to compete or whose function is impaired due to injury cannot perform at their optimal level. Regardless of the handler’s motivation, winning, or simply enjoying the activity, we want to ensure the dogs are as healthy as they can be. Seeing them reach their full potential without missing time from injury is incredibly fulfilling.

Handlers can use proactive means of monitoring their canine athlete’s welfare; this allows them to make informed choices, reducing risk factors associated with dog sports. This is where thermal imaging plays a vital role; it is used in human and equine performance sports and can also be applied as a cost-effective tool in canine sports, giving handlers a greater awareness of their dog’s physiological state.

Thermal Imaging: Understanding your Dog’s Physiological State

Thermal imaging uses a special camera that detects the infrared energy emitted by a body. It is a non-invasive, objective means to measure the thermal profile of the dog. Seeing the locations and magnitudes of thermal variations or abnormalities is easy with the colorful visual images created in the software application, making it a powerful tool when used in canine sports.

Asymmetries in the thermal profile may indicate that the canine athlete has chronic or acute dysfunctions stemming from neurological issues, joint inflammation, soft tissue sprains, muscle imbalances, or other causes. Using pre-event static images, we can build a profile of the athlete; using this as a baseline, we can monitor changes in the dog’s physiological heat map after event heats and post-event. Comparing these static images can be helpful in the early detection of injury that might have otherwise gone undetected. Significant findings should be referred to a veterinarian for diagnosis so the dog can receive the best care.

In addition to static images, thermal video can monitor the dog in real-time. Gross changes in thermal profile are likely to be metabolic in nature, driven by emotions or environmental factors that cause a physiological response. Understanding and interpreting thermal video in uncontrolled environments requires some knowledge of heat transfer and emissivity, which is discussed in this webinar. However, we can still learn a lot about dogs’ responses at sporting events by tracking their warm-up and cool-down with thermal video.

Benefits of Thermal Monitoring of the Canine Athlete

The two modes of applying thermal imaging to canine sports are static images and video. Both have benefits and can be deployed strategically throughout the dog sport event. This will help handlers make informed choices that lead to improved welfare or competitive edge.

In the webinar Thermal Imaging in Canine Sports - Improving Welfare for the Individual Athlete, we look at two case studies, analyzing their static images to ascertain their thermal asymmetries and using video to monitor their physiological responses during warm-up and holding phases of a flyball national championship event.

The videos showed interesting thermo-regulatory responses to the environment and the emotions associated with the event. This was valuable information for the handlers, who could adjust conditions accordingly for individual dogs. The information provided through the thermal video is objective and helped handlers gain greater insight into their dog and its immediate welfare needs.

The wellness checks (which used static images) showed common imbalances in both the studied athletes and issues that were otherwise hidden. Monitoring risks to individual dogs associated with canine sports injuries through thermal imaging is empowering for handlers; they can see the physiological changes in their dog’s body throughout an event.

Thermal imaging is also a valuable tool in assessing the effectiveness of specific equipment. Garments such as coats and gear such as bedding or flooring can be analyzed to determine how well they insulate, emit, or radiate heat. This means dogs can receive care based on their individual needs, keeping them in an optimal thermal state leading up to their competition.

When used in team sports such as Flyball, thermal imaging can help teams select which dogs should run. In non-team sports such as agility, handlers may find it helpful to perform pre-event screening. They can remove their dog from the competition if significant thermal asymmetries are identified or adapt their strategy if minor issues are seen. Running a compromised dog increases the risk of injury, potentially putting the dog out of action for weeks or months – which is not fun for the dogs or handlers.

Using Thermal Images to Adapt a Fitness Plan

Where imbalances are identified, handlers can work with a Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer to adapt the warm-up, cool-down, and training phases. Real-time monitoring means changes can be made immediately, which is especially important during the warm-up. The video in our webinar reveals how specific the individual dog’s response can be to the environment; identifying the needs of each dog means their routine can be customized to their physiological requirements.

Evaluating exercise recovery is another area in which thermal imaging has proven helpful in human sports. This can be applied to canine sports, monitoring the changes that occur during the recovery process or cool down. Understanding the duration of the recovery period allows canine fitness trainers to identify areas of improvement and modify the dog’s fitness plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Thermal imaging used in dog sports gives handlers a deeper level of insight into the well-being of their dog. Real-time changes can be made to the dog’s activity or the environment when thermal irregularities are identified. It helps optimize their ability to perform safely and competitively. Significant thermal asymmetries that present before an event or show up when comparing pre and post-event images can be referred to a veterinarian, helping to guide a diagnosis. Monitoring and improving the welfare needs of dogs competing in canine sports is crucial. It affects their immediate performance and the longevity of their ability to continue competing. Increasing awareness and understanding promotes healthier, happier dogs and contented owners too.

Abstract: Our bibliographic insights have shown that although thermographic imaging in small animals has been poorly studied, the empirical use of thermographic images in dogs suggests that thermographic imaging could be a useful method in assessing walking anomalies. The study aims to identify existing thermal asymmetries between the thermal paw prints of the hind limbs in healthy dogs (right versus left).

For thermal investigations, the Flir E50 thermal camera with a resolution of 240x180, thermal sensitivity of 0.05ºC, 45ºx34ºA visual field and unbalanced microbolometer was used. Acclimatization of the animals in the space for examination was 30 minutes (at a room temperature of 20-23 ° C). The resulting images were recorded, processed and analyzed with the Flir tools 2017 software. The average, maximum and minimum temperature of each image was calculated using the program. The results obtained show that between the thermal paws marks of the posterior limbs in healthy dogs there is an average thermal asymmetry comprised between 0.2 and 1.4 o C. Our study suggested that, under controlled conditions, thermographic paws prints could be used to diagnose locomotor abnormalities in dogs.

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Reference: Igna, C., Mavromatis, S., Sicoe, B., & Schuszler, L. (2018). Assessment of the Thermal Paw Print Symmetry of the Hind Legs in Healthy Dogs. “Agriculture for Life, Life for Agriculture” Conference Proceedings, 1, 445 - 448.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: This paper work reviews the main clinical and imaging diagnostic methods of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs and shows the results of using Flir E4 thermal imaging camera and Flir tools 2017 software analysis.

Compared to the achievements of a correct cranial cruciate ligament ruptures diagnosis in dogs of 75-85% reported by Infemuso et al, 2010 using Med 2000 IRIS type thermographic camera, Meditherm Inc with intranet service for image interpretation and analysis with Automated Computer Vision software and Image processing-Algorithm Test and Analysis Tool (CVIP-ATAT) data obtained by us with Flir E-40 thermal imaging camera and Flir tools-2017 analysis software did not allow the recognition of one pattern for differentiation between dogs with healthy cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) and with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) as well as with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Thermal imaging camera and tested software allows differentiation of dogs without knee pathology by those with injured knees, without revealing significant differences among different pathological entities (CCLR versus OA).

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Reference: Igna, C., Mavromatis, S., Bumb, D., Sicoe, B., Zaha, C. & Schuszler, L. (2017). Thermal Imaging of the Dogs with Cranial Cruciate Ligament Ruptures. VOL. L.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Long Wave IR imaging is one of the imaging modalities that have been used to study medical conditions of a human body by means of body surface temperature measurement. The thermal image obtained from a thermal imager can be better described as the heat map of the captured ROI (Region of Interest).

These thermal markers could be potential indicators of existing medical condition and can give further insights about the illnesses. While the literature review reports of extensive study of thermal imaging as subordinate tool for disease diagnosis, it cannot be denied that there still is dearth of standard thermal image databases of human body with medical conditions characterized by elevated temperatures in affected body parts which could be a useful research aid.

This could be attributed to the highly expensive Thermal Imagers commercially available. Therefore attempts to design and develop a reliable and cost-effective thermal sensor could be a pragmatic step towards widespread availability of thermal imaging device for use in medical applications.

In this paper, we have attempted to review the research works which has reported application of thermal imaging for medical purposes. We have also summarized the thermal imagers used and the temperature range and resolution of thermal sensors utilized in their reported works.

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Reference: Shaikh, S., Akhter, N., & Manza, R. (2019). Current Trends in the Application of Thermal Imaging in Medical Condition Analysis. 8. 2708-2712.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Infrared thermal imaging is being increasingly utilised in the study of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. In these conditions data on the symmetry (or the lack of it) of skin temperature provides valuable information to clinicians.

A major study on thermal symmetry, however, was made in 1988 but there is an absence of studies with the current generation of higher resolution cameras. No study to date has compared total body views with close-up regional views in both anterior and dorsal views. In this study skin temperature measurements have been carried out using thermograms of 39 healthy male subjects.

Measurements were obtained from an infrared camera using the CTHERM application developed at the authors’ research unit. CTHERM is capable of calculating statistical data such as temperature averages and standard deviation values in corresponding areas of interest on both sides of the body. Results show that in healthy subjects the highest temperature symmetry difference was at most 0.4ºC±0.3ºC in total body views and 0.4ºC±0.15ºC in regional views.

Total body views and regional views produced comparable results although less variation was achieved in regional views. Using a high-resolution camera the study achieved better results on thermal symmetry in normal subjects than previously reported. Symmetry assumptions can therefore be used with higher confidence when assessing abnormalities in specific pathologic states.

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Reference: Vardasca, R., Ring, E.F.J., Plassmann, P., & Jones, C. (2012). Termal symmetry of the upper and lower extremities in healthy subjects. Thermology International. 22. 53-60.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: In order to achieve higher efficiency of training and thus better athletic performance, new research and diagnostic methods are constantly being developed, particularly those that are non-invasive. One such a method is thermography, suitable for quantitative and therefore objective evaluation of variables, such as changes in the temperature of the skin covering working muscles.

The aim of this study was to use a thermal imaging infrared camera to evaluate temperature changes of symmetric body surfaces over symmetrically working muscles of male scullers after exercising on a two-oared rowing ergometer and compare these to asymmetrically working muscles of handball players after an endurance training session containing elements of an actual game.

In the scullers, the mean temperature of body surfaces was always lower post than pre exercise, with no significant differences in an average temperature drop between the opposite sides, indicating that the work of the muscles involved in the physical exertion on the rowing ergometer was symmetrical. In contrast, in the handball players, skin temperatures in symmetric areas over the asymmetrically working muscles showed statistically significant differences between sides, which was associated with the functional asymmetry of training.

This study indicates that thermal imaging may be useful for coaches in the evaluation of technical preparations in sports in which equal involvement of symmetric muscles is a condition of success, e.g. in scullers.

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Reference: Chudecka, M., Lubkowska, A., Leźnicka, K., & Krupecki, K. (2015). The Use of Thermal Imaging in the Evaluation of the Symmetry of Muscle Activity in Various Types of Exercises (Symmetrical and Asymmetrical). Journal of human kinetics, 49, 141–147.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Infrared thermography has been used to detect skeletal muscle overload and fatigue in athletes, but its use in injury prevention in professional soccer has not been studied to date.

Objectives: To establish a novel injury prevention program based on infrared thermography and to determine its influence on the injury incidence in professional soccer players in the preseason.
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Design: A cross-sectional, prospective study design was used to compare a conventional injury prevention program (CPP) applied over the first preseason and an infrared thermography injury prevention program (IRTPP) carried out in the following preseason.

Setting: Soccer training ground. Participants: Twenty-four players belonging to a first division soccer team from Spain.

Main outcome measures: Injury incidences of each player were recorded according to the Orchard Sports Injury Classification System (version 10.0) convention to determine the injury classification, location, and type.

Results: The incidence of injuries decreased from 15 injuries in the CPP preseason (0.63 [0.77] injuries per player) to 6 injuries in the second preseason when the IRTPP was applied (0.25 [0.53] injuries per player). The days of absence due to injuries also decreased from the CPP preseason (156 d, 10.4 [11.0] d per injury) to the IRTPP preseason (14 d, 2.3 [2.8] d per injury). The injury severity also decreased from the first preseason to the second preseason, and fewer musculoskeletal injuries in the thigh, hip, and groin were reported.

Conclusions: The implementation of an IRTPP can reduce the presence of injuries by identifying players potentially at risk and as a result, reducing the injury severity and days lost as a consequence.

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Reference: Gómez-Carmona, P., Fernández-Cuevas, I., Sillero-Quintana, M., Arnaiz-Lastras, J., & Navandar, A. (2020). Infrared Thermography Protocol on Reducing the Incidence of Soccer Injuries, Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 29(8), 1222-1227.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a non-radiating, noninvasive infrared (IR) thermal imaging system in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis from oral cavity cancer.

In this prospective clinical trial, a total of 90 oral cavity cancer patients suspected of having cervical lymph node metastasis underwent IR imaging of the neck prior to neck dissection. Analysis of the IR images was performed by two methods: manual qualitative analysis and automatic analysis by an entropy-gradient support vector machine (EGSVM).

The efcacies of the EGSVM-based infrared thermal imaging system and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) were compared by using the Noninferiority Testing. Compared with manual qualitative analysis, the EGSVM-based automatic analysis had a higher sensitivity (84.8% vs. 71.7%), specifcity (77.3% vs. 72.7%), accuracy (81.1% vs. 72.2%), positive predictive value (79.6% vs. 73.3%) and negative predictive value (82.9% vs. 71.1%).

The EGSVM-based infrared thermal imaging system was noninferior to contrast-enhanced CT (P<0.05). The EGSVM-based infrared thermal imaging system showed a trend of higher sensitivity, whereas contrast-enhanced CT showed a trend of higher specifcity. The EGSVM-based infrared thermal imaging system is a promising non-radiating, noninvasive tool for the detection of lymph node metastasis from oral cavity cancer.

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Reference: Dong, F., Tao, C., Wu, J., Su, Y., Wang, Y., Wang, Y., Guo, C., & Lyu, P. (2018). Detection of cervical lymph node metastasis from oral cavity cancer using a non-radiating, noninvasive digital infrared thermal imaging system. Scientific reports, 8(1), 10624.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: By observing body surface temperature variation of the intermediate structures of the Lung (Fei) and Large Intestine (Dachang) exterior-interior relationship in asthmatic patients, to investigate the pathological response on the pathway of channels and to substantiate the objective existence of the intermediary structures.

Methods: The study included 60 subjects meeting the bronchial asthma inclusion criteria (experimental group) and 60 healthy subjects (normal control group). ATIR-M301 infrared thermal imaging device was used for detecting body surface temperature of the subjects and collecting the infrared thermal images.

The temperature values of the intermediate structures of Lung and Large Intestine exterior-interior relationship [throat, Quepen, elbow, nose, Lieque (LU 7), Pianli (LI 6)], control areas (0.2 cm lateral to the above structures) and Yintang (EX-HN 3) were measured on the infrared thermal image by infrared imaging system. Then, the above temperature values were compared and analyzed within and between two groups.

Results: There were insignificant differences between the temperature on the left and right sides of the intermediate structures (Quepen, elbow, LU 7, LI 6) in normal control group (P>0.05). Except for that of Quepen, there were insignificant differences between the temperature of the intermediate structures and their corresponding control areas in normal control group (P>0.05).

In the experimental group, the temperature on the left and right sides of the intermediate structures (Quepen, elbow, LU 7, LI 6) showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the temperature difference between intermediate structure (throat, Quepen, elbow, nose, LI 6) and their respective control areas were also significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

The temperature of the intermediate structures (throat, Quepen, elbow, LU7, LI 6) between the experimental group and normal control group showed significant differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

Conclusions: This study is an initial step to validate the objective existence of Lung and Large Intestine exterior-interior relationship intermediate structures, as described in the Chinese classical medical literatures, through the functional imaging angle. The intermediate structures are the pathological reaction areas of the bronchial asthmatic patients.

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Reference: Fu, Y., Ni, J. X., Marmori, F., Zhu, Q., Tan, C., & Zhao, J. P. (2016). Infrared thermal imaging-based research on the intermediate structures of the lung and large intestine exterior-interior relationship in asthma patients. Chinese journal of integrative medicine, 22(11), 855–860.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to describe the dependence on ambient temperature of distal joint temperature at the forelimbs of racehorses. The study also investigated the influence of differing ambient temperatures on the temperature difference between joints: this was measured ipsilaterally (i.e. between the carpal and fetlock joints along each forelimb) and contralaterally (i.e. between the same joints of the left and right forelimbs).

Sixty-four healthy racehorses were monitored over 10 months. At each session, three thermographic images were taken of the dorsal, lateral and medial aspects of the distal forelimbs. Temperature measurements were made from regions of interest (ROIs) covering the carpal and fetlock joints. There was a strong correlation between ambient temperature and absolute joint temperature at all ROIs. The study also observed a moderate correlation between ambient temperature and the ipsilateral temperature differences between joints when measured from the medial and lateral aspects. No significant correlation was noted when measured dorsally. The mean contralateral temperature differences between joints were all close to 0°C. The data support previous reports that the temperature distribution between the forelimbs of the healthy equine is generally symmetric, although some horses differ markedly from the average findings.

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Reference: Soroko, M., Howell, K., & Dudek, K. (2017). The effect of ambient temperature on infrared thermographic images of joints in the distal forelimbs of healthy racehorses. Journal of thermal biology, 66, 63–67.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Venous thromboembolism is a serious medical, social, and economic problem. A number of treatment options exist to decrease mortality and morbidity in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). An accurate and timely diagnosis of this condition is important to improve immediate and long-term prognosis.

The standard diagnostic algorithm implying assessment of the clinical probability of the disease, d-dimer test, and venous duplex ultrasound is not optimal. Infrared thermography is a relatively new diagnostic modality under clinical investigation for various medical conditions.

This study aims to review the published evidence on infrared thermography as a possible alternative tool in DVT diagnosis. The authors conclude that infrared thermography is still an experimental diagnostic tool for patients with DVT, and requires more clinical research evidence to support theoretical advantages and suggest a possible clinical application. 

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Reference: Shaydakov, Maxim & Diaz, Jose. (2017). Effectiveness of infrared thermography in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis: an evidence-based review. Journal of Vascular Diagnostics and Interventions. Volume 5. 7-14. 10.2147/JVD.S103582.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Evaluate reliability and accuracy of infrared thermography in the assessment of women with breasts cancer.

To evaluate reliability, two professionals, who were experienced, measured the temperature of the infrared images in two different moments, with a one-week interval. Biopsy was used as a gold standard exam with regard identify breast cancer.

The analysis illustrated excellent reliability in terms of the affected, contralateral and control breasts with the intra-class correlation coefficient values ranging from 0.948 to 0.999. Standard measurement error ranged from 0.04 to 0.28 °C, and minimum detectable change deviated from 0.11 to 0.78 °C. Moreover, low to moderate accuracy were observed in terms of the establishment of the breast cancer diagnosis with values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve ranging from 0.571 and 0.749. Breasts affected by cancer present higher skin temperature compared to contralateral and control.

Furthermore, excellent reliability of the analysis of the infrared images and low-moderate accuracy in terms diagnosis were observed. Considering the results, infrared thermography can be applied as an instrument complement the assessment of breast cancer patients, but not for diagnostic purposes.

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Reference: de Jesus Guirro, R. R., Oliveira Lima Leite Vaz, M. M., das Neves, L., Dibai-Filho, A. V., Carrara, H., & de Oliveira Guirro, E. C. (2017). Accuracy and Reliability of Infrared Thermography in Assessment of the Breasts of Women Affected by Cancer. Journal of medical systems, 41(5), 87.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: The impact of a rider’s and saddle’s mass on saddle thermal pattern distribution was evaluated using infrared thermography (IRT). Eighteen racehorses were ridden by four riders with their own saddle. Images of the saddle panels were captured at each of six thermographic examinations. On each image, six regions of interest (ROIs) were marked on the saddle panels. The mean temperature for each ROI was extracted.

To evaluate the influence of load on saddle fit, 4 indicators were used: ΔTmax (difference between the mean temperature of the warmest and coolest ROI); standard deviation of the mean temperature of the six ROIs; right/left; bridging/rocking and front/back thermal pattern indicator. Incorrect saddle fit was found in 25 measurements (23.1%) with ΔTmax greater than 2˚C.

The relationships between rider and saddle fit as well as saddle fit and horse were significant (p<0.001). An average ΔTmax in rider A was significantly higher than in other riders (p<0.001). The right/left thermal pattern differed significantly from the optimal value for riders A and B; while the bridging/rocking thermal pattern differed significantly from this value for riders A, C and D (p<0.05). Front saddle thermal pattern was most frequent for rider A (41.5%), whereas back saddle thermal pattern was most frequent for rider C (85.7%).

Measurement of the mean temperature in 6 ROIs on saddle panels after training was helpful in assessing the influence of rider and saddle mass on saddle fit. IRT offered a non-invasive, rapid and simple method for assessing load on thermal pattern distribution in race saddles.

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Reference: Soroko, M., Zaborski, D., Dudek, K., Yarnell, K., Górniak, W., & Vardasca, R. (2019). Evaluation of thermal pattern distributions in racehorse saddles using infrared thermography. PloS one, 14(8), e0221622.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: High stress levels in horses during sporting events can influence the animal’s performance in competitions as well as their welfare. This study investigated the use of infrared thermography (IRT) measurement as a rapid, noninvasive, and accurate method for stress assessment in horses during sport competitions and compared IRT with a commonly used physiological method used for stress assessment and salivary cortisol.

IRT and salivary cortisol responses were measured 3 hours before the competition, immediately following the competition, and 3 hours after the competition, each day during the 3 days of a show jumping event. Salivary cortisol values ranged from
0.11 4.51 ng/mL in 5-year-old animals to 1.10 2.20 ng/mL in 4-year-old animals, whereas eye temperature values ranged from 35.84 1.16C in 6-year-old animals to 36.08 1.11C in 5-year-old animals. The results obtained suggested that IRT measurements constitute an effective method for detecting stress in horses subjected to the acute events of show jumping.

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Reference: Valera, M., Bartolomé, E., Sánchez, M.J., Molina, A., Cook, N., & Schaefer, A.L. (2012). Changes in Eye Temperature and Stress Assessment in Horses During Show Jumping Competitions. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 32, 827-830.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Medical imaging techniques can significantly aid correct diagnosis and have become essential to advanced veterinary care. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a novel and so far scarcely used tool in veterinary medicine in Hungary. IRT records the emitted heat of the body in a thermal map. Abnormalities in the thermal signature can indicate potential anomalies.

Objectives: By highlighting the capabilities of IRT in equine medicine, the authors aim to popularise the method among practitioners. The advantages of IRT and its potentials as a supplementary diagnostic tool are reviewed. Limitations of the technique are also discussed, supplemented by guidance for how to overcome them. Five case studies are presented to illustrate the versatility of IRT and provide examples of body parts that can be efficiently examined.

Materials and Methods: An ICI™ 7640 IR PAD 640P infrared camera was used to record the thermal signature around areas of veterinary interest in five horses. Thermograms were then evaluated to detect and localise potential pathologies.

Results and Discussion: IRT was successfully used to identify (1) an asymmetrical thermal signature on the horse’s back due to an ill-fitted saddle; (2) increased temperature in the area of left splenius cervicis; (3) a fractured molar in the premaxilla-maxilla region; (4) a chip fracture in the proximal sesamoid bone of the right forelimb; and (5) inflammation of the hoof on the right forelimb. IRT can be used efficiently as an inexpensive and rapid pre-diagnostics tool to localise or establish a strong suspicion of certain abnormalities before directing the patient towards further imaging diagnostics (e.g. PET/CT, MRI).

The authors advise to include thermography in veterinary education and advocate the establishment of a standardized framework for veterinary IRT concerning imaging methods, regulations, and environmental conditions.

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Reference: Tálas, László & Talas, Laszlo. (2017). Infrared thermography as an imaging diagnostics tool for equine medicine. Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja. 139. 259-268.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Thermography has been shown to be a practical aid in the clinical evaluation of lameness. This modality specifically increases the accuracy of diagnosis. Thermography represents skin temperature, usually pictorially.

The techniques involve contacting and noncontacting modalities. Noncontacting thermography, which detects infrared radiation, is the most accurate. In order to be accurate, thermography must be performed in a temperature controlled, draft-free area. The area should be protected from sunlight to avoid erroneous heating of the skin, and the hair length should be uniform.

Thermography detects heat before it is perceptible during routine physical examination; therefore, it is useful for early detection of laminitis, stress fractures, and tendinitis. It offers a noninvasive means of evaluating the blood supply to an injured part and offers one of the only reliable means to evaluate blood flow to the foot of horses with navicular syndrome.

Thermography also is useful for the early identification of stress injuries to the contralateral limb of convalescing orthopedic patients. Thermography is an excellent adjunct to clinical and radiographic examination. It is complementary to other imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and scintigraphy.

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Reference: T A Turner. (1991) Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract Aug;7(2):311-38

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: The horses' backs are particularly exposed to overload and injuries due to direct contact with the saddle and the influence of e.g. the rider's body weight. The maximal load for a horse's back during riding has been suggested not to exceed 20% of the horses' body weight. The common prevalence of back problems in riding horses prompted the popularization of thermography of the thoracolumbar region. However, the analysis methods of thermographic images used so far do not distinguish loaded horses with body weight varying between 10 and 20%.

Results: The superficial body temperature (SBT) of the thoracolumbar region of the horse's back was imaged using a non-contact thermographic camera before and after riding under riders with LBW (low body weight, 10%) and HBW (high body weight, 15%). Images were analyzed using six methods: five recent SBT analyses and the novel approach based on Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) and Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM). Temperatures of the horse's thoracolumbar region were higher (p < 0.0001) after then before the training, and did not differ depending on the rider's body weight (p > 0.05), regardless of used SBT analysis method. Effort-dependent differences (p < 0.05) were noted for six features of GLCM and GLRLM analysis. The values of selected GLCM and GLRLM features also differed (p < 0.05) between the LBW and HBW groups.

Conclusion: The GLCM and GLRLM analyses allowed the differentiation of horses subjected to a load of 10 and 15% of their body weights while horseback riding in contrast to the previously used SBT analysis methods. Both types of analyzing methods allow to differentiation thermal images obtained before and after riding. The textural analysis, including selected features of GLCM or GLRLM, seems to be promising tools in considering the quantitative assessment of thermographic images of horses' thoracolumbar region.

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Reference:  Malgorzata Masko, Marta Borowska, Malgorzata Domino, Tomasz Jasinski, Lukasz Zdrojkowski, Zdzislaw Gajewski. (2021) BMC Vet Res Mar 2;17(1):99.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: To assess effects of camera angle and distance on measurement and reproducibility of thermographically determined temperatures of the distolateral aspect of the forelimbs in horses.
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Design: Evaluation study

Animals: 10 adult horses

Procedures: Thermographic images of both forelimbs were obtained at 3 times during the day (replicates 1, 2, and 3); maximum surface temperature over 1 region (distolateral aspect of the third metacarpal bone and metacarpophalangeal joint) was measured. Standard images were obtained every 5 minutes for 1 hour with the camera positioned at an angle of 90° and a distance of 1.0 m from the forelimb; additional images were obtained at changed (± 20°) angles or at a 1.5-m distance. At the end of each replicate, 4 sets of additional images were obtained at 2-minute intervals to assess short-term reproducibility.

Results: Mean ± SD temperature difference between left and right forelimbs was 0.32° ± 0.27°C (0.58° ± 0.49°F) in standard images. Temperatures measured via standard images were highly correlated with those measured with the camera positioned at changed angles or distance. Mean ± SD differences between temperatures measured via standard images and those measured from changed angles or distance were considered small (≤ 0.22° ± 0.18°C [0.40° ± 0.32°F] for all comparisons). The degree of short-term reproducibility was high.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Thermographically determined temperatures were unaffected by 20° changes in camera angle or a 0.5-m increase in camera distance from the forelimb. Minor temperature differences between left and right forelimbs were detected in the study and should be considered during diagnostic investigations.

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Reference: Simone Westermann, Heinz H F Buchner, Johannes P Schramel, Alexander Tichy, Christian Stanek (2013) J Am Vet Med Assoc Feb 1;242(3):388-95

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Abstract: The aim of this pilot study was to document the effects of endurance training at different intensities on heart rate (HR), blood count, serum cortisol, and maximal temperatures of different body locations, namely eye, crown, pastern pasterns, gluteus and longissimus dorsi muscle (mm), measured by infrared thermography technique (IRT) in horses trained for endurance.

Possible associations among the studied parameters were also investigated. Our hypothesis was that temperature, measured by IRT after endurance training of different intensities would vary depending on the intensity and would be positively correlated with HR and serum cortisol. Eight horses were tested before and after training of different intensities (low, moderate, and high).

The results partially supported our hypothesis; all the studied parameters increased after training (p < 0.05), eye temperature (ET) correlated positively with HR (p < 0.01), and crown temperature (CT) correlated positively with cortisol (p < 0.01). However, only HR and white blood cells increased with the intensity of the exercise (p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0142, respectively). Our findings suggest the evaluation of ET and CT may become a useful non-invasive tool to detect physiological stress during training and to evaluate how the horses cope with the training.

Infrared thermography technique may also become a useful tool for the early identification of horses that are not fit to compete or to continue the competition. However, further studies should be conducted on a larger number of horses and during competitions to ascertain our preliminary findings. 

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Reference: Veronica Redaelli, Fabio Luzi, Silvia Mazzola, Gaia Dominique Bariffi, Martina Zappaterra, Leonardo Nanni Costa, Barbara Padalino. (2019) Animals (Basel). Mar 7;9(3):84

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Abstract: The presented manuscript provides reference for practitioners when measuring normal hoof temperature, as well as controlling the temperature after shoeing with particular shoes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of horse shoeing with egg bar shoes and shoes with wedge pads on hoof temperature measured by thermography.

This was a prospective study conducted on 16 horses. The horses were divided into two groups: horses from group 1 were shod with egg bar shoes, while horses from group 2 were shod with shoes with wedge pads. Thermographic examination was performed below the metacarpophalangeal joint before and one month after shoeing.

After shoeing with egg bar shoes, there was a decrease in the median of the minimal temperature in the palmar view. After shoeing with wedge pads, thermography revealed decreased hoof temperature in the dorsal and palmar views. Horse shoes may have a negative impact on the blood circulation and metabolism within the distal part of the limb; however, our study found this only to a minor extent.

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Reference: Marta Mieszkowska, Zbigniew Adamiak, Piotr Holak, Joanna Głodek, Ewa Jastrzębska, Katarzyna Wolińska, Marcin Mieszkowski. (2021) Animals (Basel) May 21;11(6):1479

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Abstract: In horse racing the most acceptable way to objectively evaluate adaptation to increased exertion is to measure lactate blood concentration. However, this may be stressful for the horse, therefore, a simple, noninvasive procedure to monitor race progress is desirable.

Forty Thoroughbreds attended race training, with blood samples collected at rest, immediately after, and 30 min after exercise. The lactate concentration was determined 60 s after blood collection using an Accusport®. Thermal imaging of the neck and trunk areas was performed following international veterinary standards from a distance of approximately 2 m from the horse using the same protocol as the blood sampling.

The Spearman rank correlation coefficients (ρ) between the changes in the blood lactate concentration and surface temperature measures were found for the regions of interest. The highest positive correlation coefficients were found in the musculus trapezius pars thoracica region for the maximal temperature (T Max; ρ = 0.83; p < 0.0001), the minimal temperature (T Min; ρ = 0.83; p < 0.0001), and the average temperature (T Aver; ρ = 0.85; p < 0.0001) 30 min after the exercise.

The results showed that infrared thermography may supplement blood measurements to evaluate adaptation to increased workload during race training, however, more research and references values are needed.

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Reference: Olga Witkowska-Piłaszewicz, Małgorzata Maśko, Małgorzata Domino , Anna Winnicka.(2020) Animals (Basel). Nov 9;10(11):2072

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Abstract: Infrared thermography is a non-invasive and non-ionizing imaging technique for recording body surface temperature. Considerable research efforts have been made to ensure that thermography in human medicine is performed to consistent standards so that measurements are traceable, reliable and valid, but interest in understanding sources of measurement uncertainty has developed less rapidly in veterinary thermography.

The objective of our study was to understand the influence of variability in thermal imager performance, and the contribution to measurement variance of operator-dependent factors, in a practical equine thermography setting. The study employed five different models of thermal imager, which were all quality assured against a blackbody source prior to equine measurements.

Three standard thermographic views were then obtained from nine clinically healthy horses using all five thermal imagers, with each imager capturing all views twice. On every thermographic image, regions of interest (ROIs) were then determined by two analyzers. The thermograms from each imager were assessed for their clinical utility. Agreement between analyzers of the same images, and between pairs of repeated images for the same analyzer, was assessed by Bland Altman plots.

The contribution to the total variance in temperature measurements from analyzers and from camera-dependent factors was evaluated by ANOVA gauge R&R (reliability and reproducibility) analysis. Two of the thermal imagers produced readings during quality assurance which were outside of their stated specifications for accuracy. There were notable differences in the ability of the imagers to produce clinically useful thermograms, and it was difficult to compare the thermograms from different manufacturers due to the varied color palettes employed.

Assessing agreement between analyzers, the bias was −0.05 °C and limits of agreement were 0.11 °C (upper) and −0.21 °C (lower). Agreement between repeated images was less good than between analyzers: the bias was 0.17 °C and limits of agreement were 1.55 °C (upper) and −1.21 °C (lower) for the first analyzer. Across all horses, the contribution by the analyzers to variance in temperature measurement at the ROIs from the lateral whole-body view was 9.8 } 4.2% (Mean } SD), for the lateral and medial aspects of the limbs was 26.5 } 18.2%, and for the dorsal aspect of the limbs was 11.2 } 9.2%. Across all ROIs and horses, the mean contribution to variance in the measurements from camera factors was 82.7 } 15.3%. The work shows the importance of specifying an appropriate thermal imager for equine studies, and ensuring there is a programme of quality assurance in place for all devices.

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Reference: Kevin Howell, Krzysztof Dudek, Maria Soroko (2020). Infrared Physics and Technology 110 103447

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Abstract: To evaluate the use of thermography in equine medicine, a three-phase study was conducted. In the first phase, six horses were examined thermographically, before and after exercise, to determine a normal thermal pattern. In the second phase, nine horses with acute and chronic inflammatory processes were examined thermographically. In the third phase, thermography was used to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs on chemically induced inflammatory reactions.

All normal horses tested had similar infrared emission patterns. There was a high degree of symmetry between right and left and between front (dorsal) to rear (palmar, plantar) in the legs distal to the carpus and the tarsus. The warmer areas of the thermogram tended to follow major vascular structures. The coronary band was the warmest area of the leg.

Heat increase due to exercise did not substantially alter the normal thermographic pattern. Use of thermography in clinical cases successfully detected a subluxation of the third lumbar vertebra, a subsolar abscess, alveolar periostitis and abscess, laminitis, serous arthritis of the femoropatellar joint, and tendonitis. Thermography was effective in quantitative and qualitative evaluation of anti-inflammatory compounds in the treatment of chemically induced inflammation.

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Reference: R C Purohit, M D McCoy. (1980) Am J Vet Res Aug;41(8):1167-74

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Abstract: Infrared thermography has been used to help in diagnosing lameness. It is hypothesized that, if used in a routine basis, it could help in understanding musculoskeletal modifications during race training. This study aimed to evaluate thermal variation in the musculoskeletal regions of young Thoroughbred (TB) horses during their initial months of race training.

Thermographic examinations were performed once every 2 weeks on 16 (10 male, 6 female) two-year-old TB racehorses, from arrival to the racetrack in June 2016, until January 2017, for a total of 16 evaluations. Thermographic imaging was performed using the appropriate protocol. Temperature (°C) was measured at the dorsal and palmar/plantar aspects of specific regions of interest (fetlock, metacarpal, metatarsal, carpal, tarsal, thoracolumbar, sacroiliac spine, and both hips).

Initially, we found a thermal balance and all regions demonstrated a positive correlation with one another. However, a significant difference was noted between the left and right sides as training progressed. Four horses were withdrawn from the study after 50% of evaluations because of metacarpal conditions associated with training. Thermographic examination revealed changes before the clinical manifestation of these conditions.

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that infrared thermography is an image technique that can facilitate understanding of musculoskeletal system modifications to race training and should be further investigated as a predictive tool to anticipate the occurrence of lesions.

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Reference: Hanna C Prochno , Fernanda M Barussi , Fernanda Z Bastos, Saulo H Weber, Gervasio H Bechara , Ibrahim F Rehan, Pedro V Michelotto. (2020) J Equine Vet Sci. Apr;87:102935

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Abstract: Infrared thermography is a painless, noninvasive, non-ionizing diagnostic imaging exam used in human medicine as an auxiliary tool for breast cancer diagnosis in women.  

Hypothesis/Objectives: Define thermographic mean temperatures of healthy mammary glands and compare these temperatures with those of mammary glands with tumors in dogs.

Animals: Fifty client-owned female dogs were evaluated, including 20 with histopathologically confirmed mammary tumor and 30 clinically healthy (control). Methods: A randomized study using infrared thermography analyzed each mammary gland of the animals from the control group and mammary glands with tumors from the tumor group, then the thermographic temperatures obtained were compared. Thermographic exam was performed in a temperature-controlled room with a cooled thermographic camera-Flir E-40 (Flir Systems(®)

Results: There was significantly a higher temperature in the caudal abdominal and inguinal mammary glands than the other glands in the healthy group (P < .05). Dogs with mammary tumors had significantly higher thermographic temperature compared with unaffected glands regardless of the tumor size and the location (P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The technique seems to be able to assess for the presence of neoplasia within the mammary tissue in bitches. Further investigation is necessary to determine the impact of this technique when adopted clinically.

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Reference: M Pavelski , D M Silva , N C Leite, D A Junior, R S de Sousa, S D Guérios, P T Dornbusch. (2015) J Vet Intern Med. Nov-Dec; 29(6):1578-83

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Abstract: It was assumed that a horse with its rider body weight found in the upper limit may negatively impact the horse's welfare. The objective of this paper was to analyze the differences in body temperature and selected heart rate parameters in horses in response to physical exercise accompanied by various rider's body weight loads.

The study was carried out on 12 leisure, 10- 15-year-old warmblood geldings. The horses were ridden by two equally qualified riders whose body weights were about 20% and 10% of the average body weight (BW) of the animals (about 470 kg). Each rider rode each of the 12 horses for 13 min walking and 20 min of trotting. Images of the horse at rest, after physical exercise directly after unsaddling, and during the recovery phase (10 min after unsaddling) were taken with an infrared thermography camera.

For analysis, the temperatures of selected body parts were measured on the surface of the head, neck, front, middle, and back (croup) parts of the trunk, forelimb, and hind limb. Immediately after the infrared thermography images were taken, the rectal temperature of the horse was measured. The heart rate parameters were measured at rest for 10 min directly before, during, and 10 min following the end of a training session. A multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements was performed.

Statistical significance was accepted for p < 0.05. A rider BW load on a horse of approximately 20% of the horse's BW led to a substantial increase in the superficial temperatures of the neck, front, middle, and back parts of the trunk in relation to these body parts' average temperatures when the load was about 10% BW. The head and limb average temperatures were not significantly affected by the load of the exercised horse. A horse's load above 20% of his body weight, even with little effort, affects changes in surface temperature and the activity of the autonomic nervous system.

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Reference: Izabela Wilk , Elżbieta Wnuk-Pawlak, Iwona Janczarek, Beata Kaczmarek, Marta Dybczyńska, Monika Przetacznik. (2020). Animals (Basel) Feb 21;10(2):340

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Abstract: Infrared thermography (IRT) is a valuable diagnostic tool in equine veterinary medicine; however, little is known about its application to donkeys. This study aims to find patterns in thermal images of donkeys and horses and determine if these patterns share similarities.

The study is carried out on 18 donkeys and 16 horses. All equids undergo thermal imaging with an infrared camera and measurement of the skin thickness and hair coat length. On the class maps of each thermal image, fifteen regions of interest (ROIs) are annotated and then combined into 10 groups of ROIs (GORs). The existence of statistically significant differences between surface temperatures in GORs is tested both "globally" for all animals of a given species and "locally" for each animal. Two special cases of animals that differed from the rest are also discussed.

The results indicate that the majority of thermal patterns are similar for both species; however, average surface temperatures in horses (22.72±2.46 °C) are higher than in donkeys (18.88±2.30 °C). This could be related to differences in the skin thickness and hair coat. The patterns of both species are associated with GORs, rather than with an individual ROI, and there is a higher uniformity in the donkeys' patterns.

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Reference:  Malgorzata Masko, Marta Borowska, Malgorzata Domino, Tomasz Jasinski, Lukasz Zdrojkowski, Zdzislaw Gajewski. (2021) BMC Vet Res Mar 2;17(1):99.

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Abstract: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of thermographic monitoring, using the temperature changes of perianal and perivulvar areas for the determination of estrus in Anatolian Shepherd bitches. Fifteen bitches were used in the study. Blood and vaginal smear samples were collected and thermographic monitoring of perianal and perivulvar areas were carried out starting from proestrus to early diestrus. 

Also, external signs of estrus were investigated. Smear samples were evaluated by light microscopy after Diff-Quik staining method and superficial and keratinized superficial cells were determined as percentage (S + KS%). Progesterone and luteinizing hormone measurements were done by radioimmunoassay. The difference in temperature between perianal and perivulvar areas was evaluated through thermographic images by FLIR ResearchIR Software.

Results: According to the results obtained from the study, differences between progesterone and S + KS% were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Although temperature showed increase and decrease with progesterone and S + KS%, the differences were not important statistically (P > 0.05). Serum luteinizing hormone levels did not sign any difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: As a result, thermographic monitoring alone is not enough for estrus detection in Anatolian Shepherd bitches. However, it can be used to assist the actual estrus detection technique in terms of providing some foreknowledge by evaluating the differences in temperature.

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Reference: Kemal Tuna Olğaç, Ergun Akçay, Beste Çil , Burak Mehmet Uçar, Ali Daşkın (2017) J Anim Sci Technol

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Infrared thermography (IRT) has been used to assess the health of canines by measuring surface temperatures. However, little is known about the effect hair coat differences has on expected surface temperature in healthy canines under the influence of hair coat differences. The aim of this study was to identify the influence of coat characteristics in body surface temperature (BST) in canines (Canis lupus familiaris).

To determine the changes in BST, an infrared thermal imaging camera (i.e. FLIR B400) was used. Thermal images of the left and right sides of privately-owned dogs (n = 50) were acquired. Each animal acclimated in an indoor environment away from direct sunlight (23 ± 2.0 °C) for 15 min, and images were taken at a distance 0.67 ± 0.24 m. Regions of interest (ROIs) of mean surface temperatures were examined across the lateral surface of each animal.

No statistical differences were detected based on laterality (P = 0.08). Mean BSTs were categorized by each dog's hair coat type: short coat (SC), curly coat (CC), long coat (LC), and double coat (DC). These BSTs were then analyzed using two-way analysis of variance, or ANOVA, (Shapiro-Wilk) and pairwise comparison. SC animals had the highest BST (31.77 ± 0.19 °C; P < 0.001) whereas LC (28.14 ± 0.31 °C; P < 0.001) and DC animals (28.25 ± 0.23 °C; P < 0.001) were lower in BST. CC animals portrayed intermediate BST (29.85 ± 0.33 °C; P < 0.001).

The Pearson correlation and one-way ANOVA between rectal temperature and BST and coat type were not statistically significant (r = -0.24 and P = 0.07, respectively). Results indicate that short-haired dogs exhibit a more drastic increase in BST (approximately 2 °C) in comparison to other dogs and this should be considered in future clinical applications.

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Reference: Claire J Kwon , Cord M Brundage (2019) J Therm Biol May;82:18-22.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Thermography is a practical aid in the clinical evaluation of the equine patient. It is particularly germane to the evaluation of lameness. This modality specifically increases the accuracy of diagnosis. Thermography is the pictorial representation of skin temperature.

The technique involves the detection of infrared radiation, which can be directly correlated to blood flow. To be accurate, thermography must be performed in a controlled area free of drafts. The area should be protected from sunlight to avoid erroneous heating of the skin, and the horse's hair length should be uniform.

Thermography detects heat before it is perceptible during routine physical examination and thus is useful for the early detection of laminitis, stress fractures, and tendinitis. It offers a noninvasive means of evaluating the blood supply to an injured region and represents one of the only reliable noninvasive means to evaluate blood flow to the foot of the horse.

Thermography is also useful for the early identification of stress injuries to the contralateral limb of convalescing orthopedic patients. Thermography is an excellent adjunct to clinical examination as well as being complementary to other imaging techniques such as radiology, ultrasonography, and scintigraphy.

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Reference: T A Turner. (2001) Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract Apr;17(1):95-113

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Abstract: (1) determine the success of medical infrared imaging (MII) in identifying dogs with TLIVDD, (2) compare MII localization with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results and surgical findings, and (3) determine if the MII pattern returns to that of normal dogs 10 weeks after decompression surgery. Study design: Prospective case series. Animals: Chondrodystrophic dogs (n = 58) with Type I TLIVDD and 14 chondrodystrophic dogs with no evidence of TLIVDD.

Methods: Complete neurologic examination, MII, and MRI studies were performed on all dogs. Dogs with type I TLIVDD had decompressive surgery and follow-up MII was performed at 10 weeks. Pattern analysis software was used to differentiate between clinical and control dogs, and statistical analysis using anatomic regions of interest on the dorsal views were used to determine lesion location. Recheck MII results were compared with control and pre-surgical images.

Results: Computer recognition pattern analysis was 90% successful in differentiating normal dogs from dogs affected by TLIVDD and 97% successful in identifying the abnormal intervertebral disc space in dogs with TLIVDD. Statistical comparisons of the ROI mean temperature were unable to determine the location of the disc herniation. Recheck MII patterns did not normalize and more closely resembled the clinical group.

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Reference: Brian P Grossbard, Catherine A Loughin, Dominic J Marino, Leonard J Marino, Joseph Sackman, Scott E Umbaugh, Patrick S Solt, Jakia Afruz, Peter Leando, Martin L Lesser, Meredith Akerman (2014) Vet Surg Oct;43(7):869-76.

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Abstract: Medical infrared thermal imaging (MITI) is a non-invasive imaging modality gaining popularity in the veterinary field. An infrared camera captures emission of heat and creates a color map in the form of a thermogram. Topical heat emission is influenced by localized disease processes as a result of autonomic nervous system imbalance.

The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of using thermography to identify changes in thermographic patterns associated with syringomyelia (SM) presence or absence in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) with Chiari-like Malformation (CLM).

Results: In CKCS with CLM, MITI was most accurate at a texture distance of 6. Optimizing imaging feature sets produced a highest accuracy of 69.9% (95% CI: 59.5-79.0%), with 81.3% sensitivity and 57.8% specificity for identifying the presence of syringomyelia.

Conclusion: Thermographic image analysis is a successful non-invasive, diagnostic test that can be used to screen for syringomyelia presence in a CKCS with CLM.

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Reference: M Larkin, C Loughin, D Marino, C Dewey, S Umbaugh , J Sackman. (2020) BMC Vet Res May 14:16(1):137.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Subtle lameness makes it difficult to ascertain which is the affected limb. A study was conducted to investigate a change in the thermal pattern and temperature of the thermal image of the paw print in a lame pelvic limb compared to a non-lame pelvic limb of dogs confirmed by orthostatic analysis.

Fourteen client owned dogs with a unilateral pelvic limb lameness and 14 healthy employee dogs were examined and the pelvic limbs radiographed. Thermal images of the paw print were taken after each dog was kept in a static position on a foam mat for 30 seconds. Average temperatures and thermographic patterns were analyzed.

Analysis was performed in a static position. The asymmetry index for each stance variable and optimal cutoff point for the peak vertical force and thermal image temperatures were calculated. Image pattern analysis revealed 88% success in differentiating the lame group, and 100% in identifying the same thermal pattern in the healthy group.

The mean of the peak vertical force revealed a 10.0% difference between the left and right pelvic limb in healthy dogs and a 72.4% between the lame and non-lame limb in the lame dog group. Asymmetry index analysis revealed 5% in the healthy group and 36.2% in the lame group. The optimal cutoff point for the peak vertical force to determine lameness was 41.77% (AUC = 0.93) and for MII 0.943% (AUC = 0.72).

The results of this study highlight the change in the thermal pattern of the paw print in the lame pelvic limb compared to a non-lame pelvic limb in the lame group and the healthy group. Medical infrared imaging of the paw prints can be utilized to screen for the lame limb in dogs.

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Reference: Erika Fernanda V Garcia, Catherine A Loughin , Dominic J Marino , Joseph Sackman, Scott E Umbaugh, Jiyuan Fu, Samrut Subedi, Martin L Lesser, Meredith Akerman, João Eduardo W Schossler (2017) Open Vet J 7(4):342-348.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract:  An algorithm is under development which can be used to detect bone cancer in canine thermograms for these body parts: elbow/knee, both anterior and lateral camera views, and wrist, lateral view only. Currently, veterinary clinical practice uses several imaging techniques including radiology, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). But harmful radiation involved during imaging, expensive equipment setup, excessive time and the need for a cooperative patient during imaging, are major drawbacks of these techniques.

In veterinary procedures, it is very difficult for animals to remain still for the time periods necessary for standard imaging without resorting to sedation – which creates another set of complexities. The algorithm has been optimized through thousands of experiments to identify bone cancer in thermographic images. Optimal histogram features, Laws texture features and gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture features are extracted and the data is normalized using standard normal density and softmax normalization. Euclidean, Minkowski, and Tanimoto comparison metrics are used with nearest centroid for pattern classification. Classification success rates as high as 88% for elbow/knee anterior, 85% for wrist lateral and 86% elbow/knee lateral have been achieved.

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Reference: Naveena Gorre, Scott E. Umbaugh, Dominic J. Marino, Joseph Sackman. (2020) SPIE Conference Proceedings Thermal Infrared Applications XLII, 1140903 23 April;

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Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of moderate treadmill exercise session on body surface and core temperature in dog measured by means of two infrared instruments. Ten Jack Russell Terrier/Miniature Pinscher mixed-breed dogs were subjected to 15min of walking, 10min of trotting and 10min of gallop.

At every step, body surface temperature (Tsurface) was measured on seven regions (neck, shoulder, ribs, flank, back, internal thigh and eye) using two different methods, a digital infrared camera (ThermaCam P25) and a noncontact infrared thermometer (Infrared Thermometer THM010-VT001). Rectal temperature (Trectal) and blood samples were collected before (T0) and after exercise (T3). 

Blood samples were tested for red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct). A significant effect of exercise in all body surface regions was found, as measured by both infrared methods. The temperature obtained in the eye and the thigh area were higher with respect to the other studied regions throughout the experimental period (P<0.0001). RBC, Hb, Hct and Trectal values were higher at T3 (P<0.05).

Statistically significant higher temperature values measured by infrared thermometer was found in neck, shoulder, ribs, flank, back regions respect to the values obtained by digital infrared camera (P<0.0001). The results obtained in this study showed that both internal and surface temperatures are influenced by physical exercise probably due to muscle activity and changes in blood flow in dogs.

Both infrared instruments used in this study have proven to be useful in detecting surface temperature variations of specific body regions, however factors including type and color of animal hair coat must be taken into account in the interpretation of data obtained by thermography methodology.

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Reference: Maria Rizzo, Francesca Arfuso , Daniela Alberghina, Elisabetta Giudice, Matteo Gianesella, Giuseppe Piccione. (2017) J Therm Biol Oct;69:64-68

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Abstract: To evaluate skin temperature increase as an early predictive measure for evaluating epidural and femoral-sciatic block success in dogs.

Study design: Prospective clinical trial.

Animals: A total of 29 dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery on one hindlimb

Methods: Dogs were anaesthetized and placed into lateral recumbency with the affected limb uppermost and the coat was clipped. Baseline infrared thermographic images (T0) of the affected limb, of the paw pad of the affected leg and of the ipsilateral paw pad were taken. Subsequently, dogs were administered either an epidural (EPI; n=11) or a femoral-sciatic block (FS; n=18) using bupivacaine 1 mg kg-1 . Then, 2 minutes after placement of the block, thermographic images were obtained every 3 minutes for a total of four measurements (T1-T4) and surgery was commenced.

Rescue analgesia consisting of fentanyl 1 μg kg-1 was administered if needed. A regional block was considered successful if the dose of fentanyl administered was less than the lower 95% confidence interval of the geometric mean of the total fentanyl used in each group. A ≥ 1 °C increase of skin temperature was considered as the minimum increase required for detection of a successful block.

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Reference: Nina Küls, Karen J Blissitt, Darren J Shaw, Gudrun Schöffmann, Richard E Clutton (2017) Vet Anaesth Analg Sep;44(5):1198-1207

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Abstract:  Infrared thermography was used to measure temperature differences of the corneal surface between nasal and temporal limbus regions and central cornea of normal dogs and dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), in order to establish temperature values in normal canine eyes and in patients with decreased Schirmer tear tests (STT) values.

Dogs investigated were all either patients seen at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Federal University of Paraná or normal dogs that belonged to the same institution. STT were performed in all eyes. A total of 40 control eyes (STT ≥15 mm/min) and 20 eyes with low STT values (STT ≤14 mm/min) were examined. The mean STT value for eyes with normal STT values was 22.9 ± 3.9 mm/min (mean ± standard deviation), and the mean STT value for eyes with low STT value was 7.2 ± 4.8 mm/min. The mean corneal temperature was significantly lower in eyes with low STT values than in control eyes (P < 0.0001).

The following significant correlations were found: (i) Schirmer and breakup time (BUT) (P = 0.0001, r = 0.5); (ii) STT values and corneal surface temperature (P = 0.001, r = 0.256); (iii) STT values and age (P = 0.0001, r = -0.448); (iv) age and corneal surface temperature (P = 0.0001, r = -0.281); and (v) BUT and corneal surface temperature (P = 0.0001, r = 0.36). Thermography is a method that can differentiate between eyes with normal and abnormal STT values. In the future, thermography might be incorporated as part of the ophthalmic examination and perhaps become a popular ancillary test for the diagnoses of ocular surface disorders.

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Reference: Flávia Biondi , Peterson T Dornbusch, Manuella Sampaio, Fabiano Montiani-Ferreira. (2015) Vet Ophthalmol. Jan;18(1):28-34

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Abstract: The stifle joint, a common location for lameness in dogs, is a complex arrangement of osseous, articular, fibrocartilaginous, and ligamentous structures. The small size of its component structures, restricted joint space, and its intricate composition make successful diagnostic imaging a challenge.

Different tissue types and their superimposition limit successful diagnostic imaging with a single modality. Most modalities exploit the complexity of tissue types found in the canine stifle joint. Improved understanding of the principles of each imaging modality and the properties of the tissues being examined will enhance successful diagnostic imaging.

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Reference: Dominic J Marino, Catherine A Loughin (2010) Vet Surg Apr;39(3):284-95.

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Abstract: To evaluate changes in superficial temperature of hindlimb muscles before and after a 6-min walk in healthy dogs.

Methods: Two infrared thermographic images were captured of the proximal and distal hindlimbs of 11 healthy dogs before and after a 6-min walk. Orthopedic exam and objective gait analysis confirmed the healthy status of study subjects. Superficial temperatures of the gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, and gracilis were assessed. Analysis of images was performed using 2 different methods of region of interest (ROI) selection. ROI were selected first using one point (single pixel) in the muscle and then separately by selecting a line (LN) corresponding to many points of each muscle belly from which an average was taken. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: There was no significant change in temperature using point ROI before and after 6 min of walking of the gastrocnemius, gracilis, and biceps femoris muscles (p = 0.273, p = 0.349, p = 0.351, respectively). Using linear ROI, both biceps femoris and gracilis muscles exhibited significant increases in temperature (p < 0.0001, p = 0.032, respectively). There was no significant increase in temperature of gastrocnemius muscle for both point and linear ROI selection (p = 0.273, p = 0.448, respectively). The right biceps femoris temperatures were higher compared to left biceps femoris using the linear ROI before and after walks (p < 0.0001). The overall (left and right limbs pooled) standard deviation of point selected values were greater than LN selected values of the biceps femoris (1.35 and 1.11) and gastrocnemius (1.51 and 1.23). In contrast, standard deviation for the gracilis measurements were decreased using point selection vs. LN selection (1.09 and 1.3).

Conclusions: The biceps femoris and gracilis muscles demonstrated significant increases in surface temperature after 6min of walking using the linear method of ROI. Measurement of numerous points along the entire length of the biceps femoris and gastrocnemius muscles may provide a more accurate assessment of the increased vascularity within the tissues resulting from work compared to single point select.

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Reference: Jennifer Repac, Leilani X. Alvarez, Ken Lamb and Robert L. Gillette. (2020) Front. Vet. Sci., 30 April

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Abstract: Medical infrared thermal imaging (MITI) is a noninvasive imaging modality used in veterinary medicine as a screening tool for musculoskeletal and neurological disease processes. An infrared camera measures the surface body heat and produces a color map that represents the heat distribution.

Local trauma or disease can impair the autonomic nervous system, which leads to changes in the local dermal microcirculation and subsequent alteration of surface body heat. Disruption of autonomic flow to the cutaneous vasculature at deeper levels can also result in asymmetric thermographic results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate surface temperature differences between limbs affected by bone neoplasia and their normal contralateral limbs.

Results: A statistically significant difference in average temperature was noted between regions of interest of the two groups (paired difference: 0.53 C° ± 0.14; P = 0.0005). In addition, pattern recognition analysis yielded a 75-100% success rate in lesion identification.

Conclusions: Significant alterations noted with average temperature and thermographic patterns indicate that MITI can document discernible changes associated with the presence of canine appendicular bone tumors. While MITI cannot be used as the sole diagnostic tool for bone cancer, it can be used as a screening modality and may be applicable in early detection of cancer.

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Reference: J Sung , C Loughin, D Marino , F Leyva, C Dewey, S Umbaugh, M Lesser (2019) BMC Vet Res. Dec 3;15(1):430

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Objectives: This study set out to determine the average temperature of skin and soft tissue
tumors in cats using infrared thermography and to investigate correlations between
thermographic findings and tumor type. Correlations between thermographic findings,
histologic subtype and tumor grade were also investigated in cases of feline injection site
sarcoma (FISS).

Methods: Thermographic images of normal skin and skin overlying neoplastic lesions were
prospectively obtained. Following thermographic assessment, tumors were resected and
submitted to histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis. Mean temperatures detected
in tumoral areas were compared between different tumor types and between FISSs of different
histologic subtypes and grades.

Results: Thermograms obtained from 11 healthy cats and 31 cats presenting with skin and soft
tissue tumors (eight benign and 23 malignant tumors, including 21 FISSs) were evaluated in this
study. Thermal behavior varied widely in normal skin, as well as in skin overlying neoplastic
lesions. Mean temperatures were significantly higher in malignant compared with benign
tumors (35.4 ± 1.8ºC and 34.5 ± 1.7ºC respectively; P = 0.01), with a temperature above 34.7ºC
being associated with malignancy (sensitivity 76%, specificity 80%; P = 0.01). Temperatures
detected in FISS did not differ significantly according to histologic subtype (P = 0.91) or tumor
grade (P = 0.46), or between primary and recurring tumors (P = 0.25).

Conclusions and relevance: Infrared thermography proved to be a sensitive and effective
method for detection of temperature differences between malignant and benign skin and soft
tissue tumors in cats. Thermographic assessment may contribute to diagnosis and prognostic
estimation in feline oncologic patients.

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Reference: Andressa Gianotti Campos Nitrini , Bruno Cogliati, Julia Maria Matera. (2021) J Feline Med Surg Jun;23(6):513-518.

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Abstract: To determine the usefulness of medical infrared thermal imaging (MITI) as a screening tool for hyperthyroidism in cats, evaluate the need for hair clipping over the ventral aspect of the neck to achieve optimal images, and determine whether there is a change in thermal patterns at 1 and 3 months after radioactive sodium iodide I 131 treatment.

Animals: 17 cats with and 12 control cats without hyperthyroidism.

Procedures: All cats underwent MITI first with the hair present and then after the hair was clipped. Each cat with hyperthyroidism was subsequently appropriately treated SC with radioiodide; reevaluations, including MITI before and after hair clipping and measurement of serum thyroxine concentration, were performed 1 and 3 months after treatment.

Results: The MITI had 80.5% and 87.5% accuracy in differentiating hyperthyroid cats from clinically normal cats before and after the hair over the ventral aspect of the neck was clipped. Among cats with an initial serum thyroxine concentration > 4.0 μg/dL, the success rate for MITIdetected response to radioiodide treatment at the 1-month reevaluation was 92.86% in unshaved cats and 85.71% in shaved cats. The success rate for MITI-detected response to radioiodide treatment at the 3-month reevaluation was 100% in unshaved and shaved cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results indicated that MITI was successful in differentiating between hyperthyroid cats and clinically normal cats and identifying patients with thyroxine concentration within reference interval after radioactive sodium iodide I 131 treatment.

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Reference: Robert E Waddell , Dominic J Marino, Catherine A Loughin, Joshua W Tumulty, Curtis W Dewey, Joseph Sackman (2015) Am J Vet Res Jan;76(1):53-9.

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Abstract: Pain recognition in cats is difficult and requires a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis. A total of 103 client-owned cats were enrolled in this prospective, blinded clinical trial. Cats were invited to the clinic, or presented for annual rechecks/vaccinations, or gastrointestinal, dental or locomotor problemsThe cats were of different breeds; both shorthaired and longhaired cats were included. Those cats that tolerated it were palpated and all cats were examined with the non-invasive method of thermographic imaging.

Owners filled out a questionnaire about their cat's behaviour and estimated whether the cat was in any pain. The agreement between a questionnaire and thermographic imaging or palpation was low. Also, the agreement between the owner's estimation of pain and thermographic imaging or palpation was low. The agreement between palpation and thermographic imaging was moderate, suggesting that thermographic imaging is a potential tool in clinical practice for detecting and screening cats that are, potentially, in pain.

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Reference: Mari H Vainionpää , Marja R Raekallio, Jouni J T Junnila, Anna K Hielm-Björkman, Marjatta P M Snellman, Outi M Vainio (2013) J Feline Med Surg Feb;15(2):124-31

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Abstract: Abnormal body temperature is a major indicator of disease; infrared thermography (IRT) can assess changes in body surface temperature quickly and remotely. This technology can be applied to a myriad of diseases of various etiologies across a wide range of host species in veterinary medicine. It is used to monitor the physiologic status of individual animals, such as measuring feed efficiency or diagnosing pregnancy. Infrared thermography has applications in the assessment of animal welfare, and has been used to detect soring in horses and monitor stress responses. This review addresses the variety of uses for IRT in veterinary medicine, including disease detection, physiologic monitoring, welfare assessment, and potential future applications.

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Reference: Steven I Rekant, Mark A Lyons, Juan M Pacheco, Jonathan Arzt, Luis L Rodriguez. (2016) Am J Vet Res. Jan;77(1):98-107 

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Abstract: This guideline was prepared by members of the American Academy Of Thermology (AAT) as a guide to aid the performance of medical infrared imaging in evaluating veterinary patients. It implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. The AAT guideline may be revised or withdrawn at any time.

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Reference: Tracy A Turner, D.V.M., M.S., Ken Marcella, D.V.M., Ron Riegel, D.V.M., John Godbold,D.V.M., Kellyagnes Muniz Honório, MV, Robert G. Schwartz, M.D., James Campbell, MD, Marcos Brioschi, MD.

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Introduction: The authors, after a description of the physics of infrared thermographic technique (IRT), analyze the reading of images and the main applications in the veterinary field, compared to the existing literature on the subject and to their experimental researches. IRT lends itself to countless applications in biology, thanks to its characteristics of versatility, lack of invasiveness and high sensitivity. Probably the major limitation to its application in the animal lies in the ease of use and in its extreme sensitivity.

Materials and Methods: From September 2009 to October 2010, the experimental investigation with the thermo camera took into consideration 110 animals (92 dogs and 18 cats), without any selection criteria. All patients were brought to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Milan University by the owner, to be examined by a specialist, or to undergo one of the following diagnostic procedures: X-rays, computed tomography, or ultrasound examinations; finally some patients were brought in for surgical procedures. With the consent of the owner, 1 to 10 thermographic images were recorded from each clinical case.

Results: In this first experimental investigation, thermography has shown a high sensitivity (100%), but a low specificity (44%). This figure excludes the use of thermal imaging technology to replace other imaging techniques such as radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, it does not show any ability to recognize the etiology of the disease, but only the thermal alteration, and this is restricting its use. However, this experimental study has demonstrated that thermography can be used in veterinary medicine, and specifically in dogs and cats. It is hoped that in the field of targeted diseases this technique will become an important tool for diagnostic purposes by using working protocols validated and repeatable.

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Reference: Veronica Redaelli , Barbara Tanzi, Fabio Luzi, Damiano Stefanello, Daniela Proverbio, Lorenzo Crosta, Mauro Di Giancamillo. (2014) Ann Ist Super Sanita 50(2):140-6.

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Abstract: Peripheral ameloblastoma (PA) is a rare benign peripheral odontogenic tumor arising in the gingiva and in the overlying mucosa of tooth-bearing areas of the jaws. Recent data suggestthat the recurrence rate is directly related to inadequate surgical excision This case of a 71-year-old man reports a poorly delineated mass effecting the gum of the left mandibular caninepremolars area histologically corresponded to PA. In complement to clinical visual examination of such a poorly delineated, non-exophytic and non-dyschromic inflammatory lesion, medical infrared thermography (MIT) - a non-invasive, non-ionizing and real-time imaging technique - was used to optimize the soft tissue margins, and a marginal bone resection was performed. MIT has also been found to be a useful tool in monitoring the absence of diseased tissue crossing the excisional margins at the end of the operation to minimize the risk of recurrence. After two years of follow-up, no local recurrence was found.

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Reference: Maxime Delarue, Stéphane Derruau , Paul Troyon , Fabien Bogard , Guillaume Polidori, Cédric Mauprivez (2021) Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther Jun;34:102167

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Abstract: To assess the accuracy of infrared methodologies for daily rhythm monitoring of skin temperature, five clinically healthy Italian Saddle gelding horses, and five not pregnant and not lactating Camosciata goats, were monitored every 4 hours over a 48 hour period.

The horses were housed in individual boxes, while the goats in two indoor pens, under natural photoperiod and natural environmental temperature. In each animal, skin temperature was recorded with the use of a digital infrared camera and a non-contact infrared thermometer, in five regions: neck, shoulder, ribs, flank and croup. Recorded values were compared with the well-established daily rhythm of rectal temperature. Rectal temperature was recorded at the same time by means of a digital thermometer.

In horses, a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using the infrared thermometer for the croup region compared to shoulder and flank; a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using thermography for the croup region compared to the shoulder. In goats, a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using the infrared thermometer for the croup region compared to the flank. In both species, higher values of rectal temperature were observed, compared to the temperature recorded at the skin regions using the other two methodologies.

Cosinor rhythmometry showed a daily rhythm of rectal and skin temperature recorded using both methodologies in all the examined regions. General linear model (GLM) showed statistically significant effect of breed on all rhythmic parameters; of day of monitoring on amplitude; of site of recording (rectal vs skin regions) on mesor, amplitude and acrophase; and no effect of methodologies used. The results of this study show the differences in rhythmicity of various body regions temperature and their differences in comparison with daily rhythm rectal temperature. The use of infrared methodologies was inaccurate in assessing body core temperature, but its use could be considered for the evaluation of inflammation in the different body sites.

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Reference: Claudia Giannetto, Francesca Arfuso, Elisabetta Giudice, Matteo Gianesella, Francesco Fazio, Michele Panzera, Giuseppe Piccione. (2020) J Therm Biol. Aug;92:102677

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Abstract: The science of animal welfare has evolved over the years, and recent scientific advances have enhanced our comprehension of the neurological, physiological, and ethological mechanisms of diverse animal species. Currently, the study of the affective states (emotions) of nonhuman animals is attracting great scientific interest focused primarily on negative experiences such as pain, fear, and suffering, which animals experience in different stages of their lives or during scientific research.

Studies underway today seek to establish methods of evaluation that can accurately measure pain and then develop effective treatments for it, because the techniques available up to now are not sufficiently precise. One innovative technology that has recently been incorporated into veterinary medicine for the specific purpose of studying pain in animals is called infrared thermography (IRT), a technique that works by detecting and measuring levels of thermal radiation at different points on the body's surface with high sensitivity. Changes in IRT images are associated mainly with blood perfusion, which is modulated by the mechanisms of vasodilatation and vasoconstriction. IRT is an efficient, noninvasive method for evaluating and controlling pain, two critical aspects of animal welfare in biomedical research. The aim of the present review is to compile and analyze studies of infrared thermographic changes associated with pain in laboratory research involving animals.

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Reference: Daniel Mota-Rojas, Adriana Olmos-Hernández, Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza, Hugo LeconaButrón, Julio Martínez-Burnes, Patricia Mora-Medina, Jocelyn Gómez-Prado , Agustín Orihuela. (2021) Exp Anim Feb 6;70(1):1-12

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Background:  Over 80,000 people undergo pulmonary resection for a lung nodule in the United States each year. Small nodules are frequently missed or difficult to find despite preoperative imaging. We hypothesized that near-infrared (NIR) imaging technology could be used to identify and locate lung nodules during surgery.

Methods: We enrolled 18 patients who were diagnosed with a pulmonary nodule that required resection. All patients had a fine-cut 1-mm computed tomography scan preoperatively. The patients were given systemic 5 mg/kg indocyanine green and then underwent an open thoracotomy 24 hours later. The NIR imaging was used to identify the primary nodule and search for additional nodules that were not found by visual inspection or manual palpation of the ipsilateral lung.

Results: Manual palpation and visual inspection identified all 18 primary pulmonary nodules and no additional lesions. Intraoperative NIR imaging detected 16 out of the 18 primary nodules. The NIR imaging also identified 5 additional subcentimeter nodules; 3 metastatic adenocarcinomas and 2 metastatic sarcomas. This technology could identify nodules as small as 0.2 cm and as deep as 1.3 cm from the pleural surface. This approach discovered 3 nodules that were in different lobes than the primary tumor. Nodule fluorescence was independent of size, metabolic activity, histology, tumor grade and vascularity.

Conclusions: This is the first-in-human demonstration of identifying pulmonary nodules during thoracic surgery with NIR imaging without a priori knowledge of their location or existence. The NIR imaging can detect pulmonary nodules during lung resections that are poorly visualized on computed tomography and difficult to discriminate on finger palpation.

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Reference: Olugbenga T Okusanya , David Holt, Daniel Heitjan , Charuhas Deshpande, Ollin Venegas, Jack Jiang, Ryan Judy , Elizabeth DeJesus , Brian Madajewski , Kenny Oh, May Wang , Steven M Albelda, Shuming Nie , Sunil Singhal. (2014) Ann Thorac Surg Oct;98(4):1223-30.

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Abstract: Reactions to acute stressors are critical for survival. Yet, the challenges of assessing underlying physiological processes in the field limit our understanding of how variation in the acute stress response relates to fitness in free-living animals.

Glucocorticoid secretion during acute stress can be measured from blood plasma concentrations, but each blood sample can only provide information for one point in time. Also, the number of samples that can be extracted from an individual in the field is usually limited to avoid compromising welfare. This restricts capacity for repeated assessment, and therefore temporal resolution of findings within- and between-acute stress responses - both of which are important for determining links between acute stress and fitness.

Acute stress induces additional body surface temperature changes that can be measured non-invasively, and at high frequencies using thermal imaging, offering opportunities to overcome these limitations. But, this method's usefulness in the field depends on the extent that environmental conditions affect the body surface temperature response, which remains poorly understood. We assessed the relative importance of individual physiology (baseline glucocorticoid concentrations) and environmental conditions (air temperature and relative humidity) in determining the eye region surface temperature (T_eye) response to acute stress, in wild blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) during trapping, handling and blood sampling.

When controlling for between-individual baseline variation, T_eye initially dropped rapidly below, and then recovered above baseline, before declining more slowly until the end of the test, 160 s after trap closure. One measure of the amplitude of this response - the size of the initial drop in T_eye - was dependent on environmental conditions, but not baseline corticosterone. Whereas, two properties defining response dynamics - the timing of the initial drop, and the slope of the subsequent recovery - were related to baseline corticosterone concentrations, independently of environmental conditions. This suggests inferring the acute stress response using thermal imaging of T_eye will be practical under fluctuating environmental conditions in the field.

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Reference: Paul Jerem, Susanne Jenni-Eiermann , Dorothy McKeegan , Dominic J McCafferty, Ruedi G Nager. (2019) Physiol Behav Oct 15;210:112627.

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Abstract: Long Wave IR imaging is one of the imaging modalities that have been used to study medical conditions of a human body by means of body surface temperature measurement. The thermal image obtained from a thermal imager can be better described as the heat map of the captured ROI (Region of Interest).

These thermal markers could be potential indicators of existing medical condition and can give further insights about the illnesses. While the literature review reports of extensive study of thermal imaging as subordinate tool for disease diagnosis, it cannot be denied that there still is dearth of standard thermal image databases of human body with medical conditions characterized by elevated temperatures in affected body parts which could be a useful research aid. This could be attributed to the highly expensive Thermal Imagers commercially available. Therefore attempts to design and develop a reliable and cost-effective thermal sensor could be a pragmatic step towards widespread availability of thermal imaging device for use in medical applications. In this Paper, we have attempted to review the research works which has reported application of thermal imaging for medical purposes. We have also summarized the thermal imagers used and the temperature range and resolution of thermal sensors utilized in their reported works.

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References: Shazia Shaikh, Nazneen Akhter, Ramesh Manza (2019) International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE) ISSN: 2278-3075, June: Volume-8 Issue-8

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Abstract: In dogs, circumanal tumors are the third most common skin neoplasm. Circumanal gland adenomas (CAGAs) have a good prognosis. Contrastingly, circumanal gland adenocarcinomas (CAGAC) have high relapse rates and may be metastatic. 

This study aimed to investigate the utility of thermal imaging as an ancillary modality for the diagnosis of canine CAGA and CAGAC. We analyzed the following parameters: SpT, temperature measured at the tumor center; SpNT, temperature measured at a healthy sphincter skin spot distant from the tumor; TA, temperature measured at a tumor-encompassing ellipse-shaped area; and NTA, temperature measured at an ellipse-shaped area of the healthy sphincter skin distant from the tumor. In CAGAs, the mean SpT and SpNT temperature values differed by -1.45°C (p < 0.01) while the mean TA and NTA temperature values differed by -0.96°C (p < 0.05). In CAGACs, mean SpT and SpNT temperatures differed by -1.71°C (p < 0.01) while the mean TA and NTA temperatures differed by -1.69°C (p < 0.01). The mean SpT and TA temperature values measured in CAGAs and CAGACs differed by -0.10°C (p = 0.87) and 0.52°C (p = 0.38), respectively. Both tumors were colder than healthy sphincter skin. However, a substantial number of CAGACs were colder than CAGAs. Temperature differences ≥ 1°C between tumors and healthy sphincter skin increased the probability of CAGAC diagnosis by 17.45%. Thermal imaging allowed discrimination between healthy and tumoral tissues; therefore, it could be a good ancillary diagnostic modality.

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Reference: Erika B M Zanuto , Samanta R Melo, Eric V Januário, Gustavo A A L Fernandes, Julia M Matera. (2021) Front Vet Sci Jul 27;8:692221.

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Abstract: Medical infrared thermography (MIT) is used for analyzing physiological functions related to skin temperature. Technological advances have made MIT a reliable medical measurement tool. This paper provides an overview of MIT's technical requirements and usefulness in sports medicine, with a special focus on overuse and traumatic knee injuries. Case studies are used to illustrate the clinical applicability and limitations of MIT. It is concluded that MIT is a noninvasive, non-radiating, low cost detection tool which should be applied for pre-scanning athletes in sports medicine.

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Reference: Carolin Hildebrandt, Christian Raschner, Kurt Ammer (2010) Sensors (Basel) 10(5):4700-15

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Abstract: One of the main functions of infrared thermography (IRT) consists in detecting temperature changes in organisms caused by variations in surface blood circulation. IRT is a useful tool that has been used mainly as a diagnostic method for various stress-causing pathologies, though recent suggestions indicate that it can be used to assess the block quality of certain body regions.

In the field of anaesthesiology, IRT has been applied to brachial and epidural blocks, while in algology, changes in surface blood circulation associated with sympathetic activity have been investigated. Thermography has also been employed to complement pain level scales based on the facial expressions of patients in critical condition, or after surgery.

In addition, it has been used as a tool in research designed to evaluate different surgical procedures in human medicine, as in the case of surgical burrs for placing dental implants, where IRT helps assess the degree of heating associated with bone devascularisation, reduction in vascular perfusion as a consequence of stroke, and changes in the autonomous nervous system, or the degree of vascular changes in flaps applied to burn patients. In veterinary medicine, thermography has brought several benefits for animals in terms of evaluating lesions, diseases, and surgical procedures.

The aim of this review is to evaluate how IRT can be used as a tool in surgical procedures, cases of vascular change, and pain monitoring in veterinary medicine with an emphasis on small animals.

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Reference: Alejandro Casas-Alvarado , Daniel Mota-Rojas, Ismael Hern´andez-´Avalos, Patricia Mora-Medina, Adriana Olmos-Hern´andez, Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza, Brenda Reyes-Sotelo, Julio Martínez-Burnes. (2020) Journal of Thermal Biology

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Thermography is gaining popularity in veterinary practice as a first-line screening tool able to provide an advanced, full-body picture of patient wellness. In this free on-demand webinar, Ronald J. Riegel, DVM discusses how veterinary thermography offers a practical approach to proactive care for busy general practices.

Key Talking Points

• Discussion of difficulties recognizing pain in animals
• Review of acute, chronic, and maladaptive pain
• Overview of common pain assessment techniques
• Introduction of new pain measurement and monitoring tools

Fill out the form to begin watching the "Making a Case for Thermography" webinar.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Learn how to use thermal imaging during wellness and follow-up exams to drive additional diagnostic revenue and targeted treatment plans. You will learn to use thermal imaging to objectively measure treatment progress and easily show clients visual findings to drive treatment compliance. Dr. Johnson will also share real-world implementation scenarios to illustrate simple ways to incorporate thermal imaging strategies into practice.

Key Talking Points

• Common challenges to effective equipment implementation
• The role of client compliance in equipment ROI
• A discussion of thermal imaging and how it influences client decisions
• Real-world examples that show how thermal imaging opens the door for ultrasound, laser therapy, and more

Fill out the form to begin watching the "Help Your Equipment Work Harder (With One Simple Tool)" webinar.

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: The authors describe the thermography technique in animal production and in veterinary medicine applications. The thermographic technique lends itself to countless applications in biology, thanks to its characteristics of versatility, lack of invasiveness and high sensitivity. Probably the major limitation to most important aspects for its application in the animal lies in the ease of use and in its extreme sensitivity.This review provides an overview of the possible applications of the technique of thermo visual inspection, but it is clear that every phenomenon connected to temperature variations can be identified with this technique. Then the operator has to identify the best experimental context to obtain as much information as possible, concerning the physiopathological problems considered. Furthermore, we reported an experimental study about the thermography (IRT) as a noninvasive technique to assess the state of wellbeing in working dogs.

The first results showed the relationship between superficial temperatures and scores obtained by the animal during the behavioral test. This result suggests an interesting application of infrared thermography (IRT) to measure the state of wellbeing of animals in a noninvasive way.

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Reference: Veronica Redaelli, Nicola Ludwig, Leonardo Nanni Costa, Lorenzo Crosta, Jacopo Riva, Fabio Luzi (2014) Ann Ist Super Sanita 50(2):147-52.

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Abstract: Infrared thermography (IRT) can be used to identify stressors associated with greyhound racing procedures. However, factors unrelated to stress may influence measurements. Validation of an eye side (right or left) and a reference point on the eye is required if IRT is to be standardized for industry use. Infrared images of greyhound heads (n = 465) were taken pre-racing and post-racing at three racetracks. Average temperature was recorded at seven different locations on each eye. A multivariate analysis model determined how several factors influenced eye temperature (ET) pre-racing and post-racing. As expected, ET increased after racing, which may be attributed to physical exertion, stress and arousal. The right eye and lacrimal caruncle had the highest sensitivity to temperature changes and could be considered reference points for future studies. Additionally, dogs that raced later had higher ET, and Richmond racetrack had the lowest pre-race ET, but the highest post-race ET. This may suggest that arousal increases as the race meet progresses and certain track attributes could increase stress. Furthermore, ET increased as humidity increased, and higher post-race ET was associated with light-colored, young and low-performing dogs. Environmental and biological factors need to be considered if IRT is to become accurate in the detection of canine stress and monitoring of greyhound welfare.

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Reference: Belle Elias, Melissa Starling, Bethany Wilson, Paul McGreevy. (2021) Animals (Basel) Jan 6;11(1):103

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: In dogs, thermal imaging has been documented only recently, but a growing interest in this modality has led to studies using thermography to assess pathologies in the canine hip, stifle, elbow, intervertebral disc, and bone neoplasia. This study aimed to evaluate the use of digital thermography in assessing and evaluating treatment response in dogs with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and comparing its results with an objective measure and two clinical metrology instruments. In an experimental, randomized, double-blinded study, one hundred hip joints of fifty police working dogs with bilateral hip OA were evaluated. A dorsoventral and lateral thermographic image were obtained on days 0, 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180. Mean and maximal temperatures were determined. Additionally, the animal’s weight-bearing distribution and radiographic examination of the hip joint (extended legs ventrodorsal view) were performed. Copies of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and Canine Orthopaedic Index (COI) were obtained. Results were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by an LSD post-hoc test, and correlations were assessed with Spearman correlation coefficient, with p < 0.05.

Access the full study here.

Reference: J. C. Alves, A. Santos, P. Jorge, C. Lavrador and L. Miguel Carreira. (2021) BMC Veterinary Research 17:180

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most commonly diagnosed joint disease in veterinary medicine, with at least 80% of the cases of lameness and joint diseases in companion animals being classified as OA. Sporting and working animals are more predisposed to develop OA since they are exposed to chronic fatigue injuries, leading to bone and muscular tissue damage and failure, resulting in clinical signs. To characterize the clinical signs and diagnostic findings of Police working dogs presenting with bilateral hip OA at the time of diagnosis. Fifty animals were evaluated with a bodyweight ≥ 15 kg, be older than two years, and without any medication or nutritional supplements for ≥ 6 weeks.

Access the full study here.

Reference: J. C. Alves, A. Santos, P. Jorge1, C. Lavrador and L. Miguel Carreira. (2020) BMC Veterinary Research

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Abstract: Disaster search dogs traverse diverse and unstable surfaces found in collapsed buildings. It is unknown if the physical conditioning on a treadmill involves the same muscle groups that are involved in rubble search.

This 14-week prospective cohort study was conducted to investigate changes within the thermal gradients of specific dog muscles following  treadmill compared to rubble search. Nine dogs, ranging in age from 6 months to 4 years, were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each week, the two groups would participate in either 20min of treadmill or rubble searches. Prior to exercise, the dogs were weighed and then kenneled in a temperature-controlled study room for 20min at 21^◦C. Pre-exercise thermal images were then captured of the standing dog from the dorsal, left and right lateral, and caudal perspectives, and of the sitting dog from the rostral perspective. Following a 10-min warm-up period of stretches, dogs proceeded to either treadmill or search. Upon completion, dogs were kenneled in the study room for 20min prior to post-exercise thermal images. Images were sectioned into 22 muscle regions, the pre-exercise images were subtracted from the postexercise images to determine the temperature difference (ΔT) for that dog, on that day, for that activity.

Thermography measures radiant energy, temperature, and converts this information into an image. This study looked at ΔT within a region pre and post-exercise. The study failed to find a statistically significant difference in the ΔT within each muscle group between treadmill and search activities. There was a decrease in ΔT within all muscle regions over the of the study except for the right cranial shoulder, right caudal shoulder, and right hamstring for the treadmill activity only. The decrease was significant in the pelvis, left longissimus, right cranial shoulder for the search activity, left oblique, left caudal shoulder, and left quadricep muscular regions.

These findings suggest that ΔT in muscle groups are similar between treadmill exercise and rubble search. Regardless of the exercise type, 14 weeks of structured Search and Rescue training and treadmill exercise resulted in less ΔT associated with a structured weekly exercise.

Access the full study here.

Reference: Calan M. Farley, Patricia Kaynaroglu, Donna Magness , Ronald J. Riegel and Cynthia M. Otto (2021) Frontiers in Vet. Science. Sept. 6th

Interested in learning more about thermal imaging? Request a demonstration with Digatherm and discover how veterinary thermography can help you find problem areas faster and easily monitor treatment progress.

Written by  Jennifer F Johnson VMD, CVPP‍

Equine veterinary medicine is a big industry

Americans love horses.  In 2017, the American Horse Council published an economic study concluding that there were over 7.2 million horses in the USA.  The American Association of Equine Practitioners reports nearly 9300 members worldwide.  Although pet horses remain popular, equine veterinarians are seeing more performance and sport patients, and the racing industry, while in some decline, is still a 5.3-billion-dollar market in 2020.  These equine patients require consistent and proactive medical care to stay in performance shape, and this is where thermal imaging really benefits the equine veterinary practice. 

Thermal imaging is not new to the equine industry.  The first research regarding equine thermal imaging was published in 1972, where thermography was used to study the superficial flexor tendon (Stromberg 1972).  In subsequent decades, veterinarians continued to explore thermography with variable success.   Recent developments in thermal imaging have created a renewed interest, and the technology is now becoming standard-of-care among equine practitioners.

How does Equine Thermography work?

Thermography uses specialized imaging to measure the radiant energy from the surface of a patient.  Differences in surface temperature patterns can suggest an underlying issue.  Medical thermal imaging utilizes the natural thermal symmetry found in a living being and identifies any asymmetry as an indication of an area of concern (Soroco et al. 2017). Increases suggest inflammation, infection, or blood vessel dilation, while decreases signify vasoconstriction, nerve impingement or muscle atrophy.  

Horses are prey species and are notoriously good at hiding signs of disease.  Thermography provides an easy, non-invasive physiologic assessment which can pinpoint areas of concern before seeing changes on radiographs or ultrasound.   Veterinarians can use thermal imaging to quickly screen the entire patient, allowing more rapid diagnosis of potential issues such as areas of musculoskeletal pain, stress fracture, or vascular disease.  Because radiograph changes of osteoarthritis do not appear until much later stages of disease, thermography has been useful in providing early diagnosis (Vaden et al. 1980).  

The Horse industry benefits from veterinary thermal imaging

Horse racing has undergone intense scrutiny over the last few years, as the incidence of death among racing horses has increased exponentially.  After Santa Anita racetrack in California was investigated for a particularly high death rate in 2018-2019, the state horse racing board performed an investigation and concluded that more stringent pre-race examinations should be instituted, with compulsory standardization nationwide. See the full report here.

Thermal imaging could provide clues to ensure that horses are ‘safe’ to race.  A recent study looked at the use of thermography to monitor thoroughbred racehorses in training.  Initially, all horses enrolled showed thermal balance, but as training progressed, four horses were withdrawn from the study and removed from training because of metacarpal thermal changes.  The investigators concluded that the thermal images revealed changes before clinical symptoms of disease and suggested the tool is helpful when preparing horses for competition and for anticipation of injury or occurrence of lesions (Prochno et al. 2020).

Proper interpretation of thermal images is the key to success.  Veterinarians trained in thermography can interpret images taken using specialized medial thermal imaging equipment.  These devices have exceptional sensitivity of <0.02 degrees C and are calibrated differently than thermal cameras used in industry.  Medical thermal images that reveal anatomical temperature differences of greater than 1 degree C are considered significant.  Veterinary thermography can help the equine veterinarian focus on where to look.  With great sensitivity, thermography will complement other anatomical diagnostic imaging tools, guiding diagnosis in a pain-free, economical, and comprehensive way.

References:

• Prochno, HC. et al. (2020) Infrared Thermography Applied to Monitoring Musculoskeletal Adaptation to Training in Thoroughbred Race Horses.  J Equine Vet Sci. 87:102935.
• Soroko, M. et al. (2017) The effect of ambient temperature on infrared thermographic images of joints in the distal forelimbs of healthy racehorses. J Therm Biol. 66:63-67.
• Strömberg, B. (1972) Thermography of the Superficial Flexor Tendon in Race Horses. Acta Radiologica. Diagnosis, 13(319_suppl):295–297.
• Vaden, MF. et al. (1980) Thermography: a technique for subclinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Am J Vet Res. 41(8):1175-1179.
  

Digatherm use in canine exercise research at The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY.

Ready study here.

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, and the world is actively working to slow its viral spread. As of March 24, there are over 400,000 cases and 17,000 deaths worldwide. “Flattening the curve” with protective measures to relieve pressure on the healthcare system and prevent further deaths is a top priority.

Infrared Cameras and the Spread of the Coronavirus

Since a coronavirus vaccine is still months away from creation and mass distribution, the only way to slow down this virus is by limiting its exposure. Implementing coronavirus temperature screenings in airports, transportation hubs and ports, hospitals, and other locales helps reduce the pace of spread.

When combined with other clinical diagnostic procedures, infrared cameras are highly efficient and effective tools to use in temperature screenings. Infrared cameras detect elevated skin temperatures.

Thanks to the latest infrared technology, there are devices that, when used adjunctively with other methods of detection, can help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Benefits of Infrared Screening Systems

• Non-contact: Subjects do not need to be touched by screeners to perform scans.
• Immediate results: Temperature screenings take place in real-time as subjects pass in front of the camera. The system flashes an alert when a high body temperature is detected.
• High accuracy: Infrared cameras can deliver skin temperature readings with very tight margins of error.
• Portable: Infrared screening systems can be easily set up in most public spaces. 

Best Practice for Public Temperature Screens

It’s important to remember to conduct temperature screens using infrared technology on an individual basis, one at a time. Proper implementation and execution will make the world’s recovery from COVID-19 much quicker.

Infrared Cameras Inc’s Medical Thermal Imaging Cameras

Infrared Cameras Inc manufactures several thermal infrared devices that can help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. These IR cameras are proven to detect elevated skin temperatures brought on by various external causes like the coronavirus. This makes them a non-invasive first step for febrile detection. Perfect for adjunct use in hospitals, sub-acute health settings, public areas, such as airports and cruise ships, and more.

ICI and FLIR Infrared Cameras

In 2007, Infrared Cameras Inc and FLIR were selected for testing of a febrile screening system. ICI’s thermal device’s sensitivity was less than 0.2°C with a pixel resolution of 640 x 480 USB device versus FLIR’s 0.5°C with a pixel resolution of 320 x 240 Ethernet device. The technology was extremely similar with ICI and FLIR playing tug-of-war and alternatingly outperforming the other ever so slightly in various critical categories.

Both Infrared Cameras Inc and FLIR’s infrared device, when used in the correct environment, exceeded the ISO 13154 Standard for Human Febrile Temperature Screening. This standard was originally published in 2008 and updated in 2017.

The resulting data proved that ICI, a “small town” infrared camera manufacturer in Beaumont, Texas, is evenly contested with FLIR, a multi-billion dollar company. Since conducting these initial tests, Infrared Cameras Inc’s human temperature screening system continues to improve with better lenses and software algorithms, increasing accuracy, ease of use, and reliability.

Thermal Camera Use in Past Health Crises

Infrared Cameras Inc’s temperature screening device was brought to the public’s eye back in 2014 when an outbreak of Ebola, much like what is happening with the Coronavirus, was brought to the world’s attention. CEO and Founder of ICI, Gary Strahan, was interviewed on CNN shortly after the Ebola outbreak started. This assured the public eye that there was a way to potentially eliminate the spread of life-threatening pathogens. 

Learn More About Medical Thermal Cameras

Infrared Cameras Inc has been developing and manufacturing thermal infrared cameras, as well as multi-spectral infrared cameras and complete package systems, since 1995 and is quickly becoming the fastest-growing infrared camera manufacturer in the world. In addition to skin temperature screenings, infrared cameras have widespread use in the medical field through their ability to precisely image all parts of the human body with utmost precision and detail.

You are good at observing your dog or cat at home. You notice subtle changes that may indicate your favorite four-legged family member has a change in health. Your veterinarian is skilled in listening to you and observing your pet. But there may be health changes you don’t notice at home, and there is always a lot that dogs and cats don’t show and can’t tell you and your veterinarian.

In addition to good observation skills and experience, your veterinarian has many tools that help detect abnormal conditions in your dog or cat. One of the more exciting is non-invasive, non-painful thermal imaging.‍

What are thermal images and how can they help my pet?

Thermal Imaging – The Solution When Your Pet Feels Bad

Wouldn’t it be nice if our pets could talk to us?  Sure, they do communicate with us, in lots of ways. But wouldn’t it be nice if they could really talk?  Especially when they feel bad, and we don’t know why.

How Do I Know My Pet is Feeling Bad?

Since you are usually seeing your pets every day, you will realize when they’re just not being themselves.  You will see changes in routines, changes in behavior, or you may note physical changes.  In a way, your pet is talking to you when you see any of these changes.

What Are Some Indications My Pet is Feeling Bad?

Changes in health may occur suddenly, or they may progress slowly over time.  Any change in a pet’s behavior, appetite, eliminations, or activity may indicate a problem.  Slower changes may be more difficult to detect.

Animals’ survival in the wild often depends on them appearing strong and healthy.  The same instinct is present in our domesticated dogs and cats and results in them not always showing signs of illness or disease until their quality of life has significantly reduced.  That makes it important for us to monitor our pets for clues that may indicate a potential problem.

Signs that may indicate our pet is feeling bad include:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Appetite changes or increased water drinking
• Bad breath
• Increased or decreased urination or defecation
• Lethargy, irritability, or not joining the family
• Stiffness, lameness, or difficulty rising
• Sneezing, coughing, or runny nose
• Excessive panting or labored breathing
• Hair loss, itching or skin changes

How Can My Veterinarian Find the Problem?

Just like physicians, veterinarians have many tools that help them find the problem when our pets don’t feel well. When there is a problem, your observations are an important source of information for the veterinarian. What you have noticed, along with vital signs and a comprehensive physical examination, starts the process of identifying the problem, and indicates what additional diagnostics are recommended.

How is Thermal Imaging a Solution?

The more information your veterinarian can get about your pet, the easier a diagnosis will be.  Digital technology has allowed thermal imaging to become an important part of the veterinary examination and helps solve the problem of getting information about patients that can’t speak.

Thermal images are a visual representation of the surface body temperatures of a patient and give physiological information about what is going on below the surface.  Increased temperatures (hyperthermia) may indicate inflammation, infection, or malignancy.  Decreased temperatures (hypothermia) may indicate atrophy or neurological dysfunction.  Thermal images give your veterinarian important clues and help form a road map for additional diagnostics and therapy.

In 2019, JAVMA reported that two-thirds of US households own pets. According to the American Pet Products Association, 80% of “millennials” and “generation Zs” report owning dogs. Who are these milliennial pet owners?  Besides being born between 1980 and 2001, they have new and unique views of pet ownership. Baby-boomers love their pets, but the things that are important to millennial and gen Z dog parents are much different and worth understanding, especially when we talk veterinary care.

Like all generations, millennials are labeled with unique traits. They make decisions with conviction and are comfortable spending their discretionary income on things that they consider non-discretionary. 76% of millennial pet owners say they splurge more on their pets than they do themselves, and 71% would take a pay cut if it meant they could take their pet to work. (These traits allow them to enjoy doing things like dressing their dog in costume for Halloween!)

They also are considered the first “fully connected” generation. They are the first generation to document their lives for the world to see and have never experienced a world without a cell phone. Technology at their fingertips is accessible and important to them.

Millennials and gen Zs are also the most conscientious demographic. They look for natural, organic, hypoallergenic solutions, and are very interested in any Fear Free® solutions for training, grooming and veterinary care. The baby boomers were the first generation to consider pets as part of the family, but 82% of millennials decide to get a pet to prepare for having a family, and consider their pet to be their child.

Digital Thermal Imaging is an ideal diagnostic tool for the younger, tech savvy, pet-owning generations. Often, these pet owners understand thermal imaging better than the traditional veterinary team. They are comfortable using technology with their pet and love the idea that their veterinarian can “look inside” and see what might be going on. The Digatherm® veterinary thermal imaging system is quick, easy to use, and helps veterinarians communicate with the pet owner. The thermal images can easily show where one needs to look further, and help to create a roadmap for treatment, as progress can be followed with subsequent images.

Having thermal imaging as part of your diagnostic tools is a proactive approach to health and wellness. Millennial and gen Z pet owners will thank you for the clear picture and your commitment to their beloved family member.

“Made you look!” This Digatherm image is a great example of how thermal imaging can help veterinarians take a deeper look at their patients. Pet owners can easily visualize difference in symmetry and understand the need to look further.

The more information you can get about your patients, the easier a diagnosis will be.  With digital technology, thermal imaging can now be a simple, non-invasive addition to your examinations, giving you clues that help you learn more about patients that can’t speak.

Thermal images are a visual representation of the surface body temperatures of a patient and give physiological information about what is going on below the surface.  Increased temperatures (hyperthermia) may indicate inflammation, infection, or malignancy.  Decreased temperatures (hypothermia) may indicate atrophy or neurological dysfunction.  Thermal images help form a road map for additional diagnostics and therapy.

Age is not a disease, but geriatric patients do have old problems.

Owners often attribute changes in geriatric pets to generalized aging, when the changes are instead a result of specific injuries, joint disease, or compensation.  Visualizing temperature changes in the affected areas with thermal images helps localize problems during examinations, and demonstrates the need for further diagnostics and treatment.

Additional Advantages of Digatherm’s Infrared Thermal Imaging System‍

Veterinary-Specific Software‍

The only veterinary-specific software on the market.

• Medical palettes for ideal visualization of veterinary images.
• The ability to ghost in a previous image to ensure reproducible framing.
• Standard anatomical views to guide an initial exam.
• Dual window comparison for monitoring patient progress.
• Automatic report generation and documentation.
• Sensitivity improves when focused in narrower range.
• Real-time analysis with no downloading into a separate program.

Be sure to schedule your demonstration today.

Patient
Irish Sport Horse Fe, 7 year-old

History
This patient had a history of being reluctant to jump for several weeks.

Lameness Examination
On dynamic examination it was noted at the walk that the left fore landed lateral to expected foot placement. The right fore landed as expected.

When examined at the trot in a straight line there was a mild (2/10) right fore lameness. When lunged on a soft surface there was a mild (2/10) right fore lameness on the left rein and mild-to-moderate (3/5) right fore lameness on the right rein.

When lunged on a firm ground the patient showed mild (2/10) left fore lameness on a left rein and mild-to-moderate (3/10) right fore lameness on a right rein.

Physiological Screen with Digital Thermal Imaging

Digital thermal images were captured with a Digatherm IR camera.

Dramatic thermal asymmetry was noted in the distal fore limbs with the right limb showing hyperthermia throughout. The right fore hyperthermia was more pronounced medially (Fig 1.1 & Fig 1.2).

AI-Powered Condition-Based Monitoring Platform Helps Reliability and Operations Leaders
Automate and Optimize Predictive Maintenance and Maximize Operational Uptime

December 1, 2023 – Infrared Cameras, Incorporated (ICI) announced today that their asset reliability and operational efficiency optimization platform, SmartIR, is now available in AWS Marketplace., that runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS Marketplace is a digital catalog that makes it easy for customers to find, test, buy and deploy software listings from independent vendors. AWS Marketplace will help ICI customers simplify their SmartIR procurement process through consolidated billing, custom pricing and terms, and various other benefits.

ICI’s SmartIR platform enables the automation of asset reliability and operational efficiency initiatives through AI-powered continuous monitoring capabilities. Leveraging data inputs from thermal and acoustic imaging, and from vibration sensing, SmartIR continuously monitors the performance and condition of critical mechanical and electrical assets, and manufactured outputs, across a variety of industrial, environmental, and commercial settings.

The SmartIR platform informs predictive maintenance and reliability for a customer’s most critical assets, monitors manufactured outputs for quality issues, and provides early-stage fire detection and safety alerts throughout the facility.

“We at ICI are extremely excited about the continued development of our relationship with AWS,” said Gary Strahan, CEO of ICI. “Our company’s goal is to elevate our customers’ predictive maintenance and reliability strategies, quality assurance processes, and employee health and safety protocols. Having our SmartIR Platform in AWS Marketplace allows ICI to reach more of AWS’s customers and offer a frictionless experience for procuring and deploying our condition-based monitoring capabilities.”

For more information, please visit www.infraredcameras.com/smartir-platform.

About Infrared Cameras

ICI’s SmartIR is an AWS-powered software platform that leverages ICI-built thermal imaging, acoustic imaging, and vibration sensing devices for condition-based monitoring of critical mechanical and electrical assets and manufactured outputs. ICI’s solutions are deployed by organizations to protect critical assets across a wide range of industries including distribution & logistics, manufacturing, utilities, and oil & gas. ICI’s sensing solutions are built around high-resolution thermal imaging along with visible, acoustic, vibration and laser spectroscopy imagers and sensors. This full-stack solution measures heat, sound, and gas in the surrounding environment, helping companies gain insight to efficiently manage their most important assets and infrastructure. ICI designs and manufactures digital thermal sensing solution platforms with edge and cloud-based software.

For more information, please visit https://infraredcameras.com/.

About Infrared Cameras’ Proposed Business Combination With SportsMap Tech Acquisition Corp

On December 5, 2022, Infrared Cameras Holdings, Inc., ICI’s parent company, entered into a business combination agreement with SportsMap Tech Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: SMAP) relating to a proposed business combination between the parties that would result in Infrared Cameras Holdings becoming a public company. SMAP has filed a definitive proxy statement relating to the proposed business combination and the special meeting of its stockholders, scheduled for December 8, 2023, to vote to approve the proposed business combination and related matters. The parties have applied to have the combined company’s common stock listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “MSAI”.

SMAP and ICI urge all interested persons to read the definitive proxy statement, which contains important information about SMAP, ICI and the proposed transaction. The definitive proxy statement can be obtained without charge at www.sec.gov.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are not historical facts, including statements concerning the benefit of ICI’s SmartIR platform to customers and potential customers and SMAP’s or ICI’s beliefs about the proposed business combination transaction and ability of the combined company to qualify to list on NASDAQ. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “seeks,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “future,” “potential,” “opportunity,” or other similar expressions, the negatives of these terms or variations of them, although not all forward-looking statements will include such identifying words. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about the future events that are based on SMAP’s or ICI’s current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. Certain of these risks are identified and discussed in SMAP’s definitive proxy statement relating to the proposed business combination transaction and other filings SMAP or the combined company may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risk factors will be important to consider in determining future results and should be reviewed in their entirety. Neither SMAP nor ICI is under any obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Media Contact:

Multi-Sensor AI

Andrew Klobucar

Director of Marketing

Andrew.klobucar@infraredcameras.com

Investor Contact:

Alpha IR Group

Mike Cummings or Griffin Morris

MSAI@alpha-ir.com

July 26, 2023 – Infrared Cameras, Incorporated (ICI), announced today that they have joined the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Public Sector Partner (PSP) Program and completed the AWS Foundational Technical Review (FTR) to validate SmartIR. Completing the AWS FTR ensures ICI’s solutions uphold AWS standards in architectural design. In addition, the AWS PSP Program helps AWS Partners grow their public sector business through alignment with AWS public sector sales, marketing, funding, capture, and proposal teams. 

ICI leverages AWS to power its intelligent thermal imaging and condition monitoring software, SmartIR. Validated by the AWS FTR, SmartIR utilizes data points from thermal imaging and sensing technologies to continuously monitor the performance and condition of critical mechanical and electrical assets in industrial, environmental, and commercial settings. The SmartIR platform informs predictive maintenance for these assets, provides early fire detection and safety alerts, and robust reporting and analysis capabilities to optimize operational processes. By reinforcing SmartIR around AWS best practices for security, reliability, and operational excellence, ICI delivers a fully scalable asset reliability and safety platform built on AWS. 

“ICI is honored to join the AWS Public Sector Partner Program,” said Gary Strahan, CEO of ICI. “AWS has long been recognized as a leading cloud services provider and it is an honor to meet their standards and bring their technical advantages to our customers leveraging our SmartIR solution.” 

As an AWS PSP Program member, ICI is recognized as an AWS Partner with cloud-based solutions who have experience supporting government, space, education, and non-profits around the world ICI has long provided solutions to government entities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Department of Transportation, and various state and municipal governments. 

For more information, please visit www.infraredcameras.com/smartir-platform. 

About Infrared Cameras, Incorporated

ICI builds thermal imaging and sensing platforms that are utilized by organizations to protect critical assets across a wide range of industries including distribution & logistics, manufacturing, utilities, and oil & gas. ICI’s sensing solutions are built around high-resolution thermal imaging along with visible, acoustic, and laser spectroscopy imagers and sensors, that perceive and measure heat, sound, and gas in the surrounding environment, helping companies gain insight to efficiently manage their most important assets and infrastructure. ICI designs and manufactures digital thermal sensing solution platforms with edge and cloud-based software. 

ICI believes that its digital thermal technology platform positions it at the center of a global revolution in thermal sensing, as the introduction of continuous streaming thermal data coupled with automated insights replaces intermittent manual thermal analysis, and cloud-connected thermal big data capture enables artificial intelligence and machine learning to elevate critical asset management to a new level. For more information, please visit https://infraredcameras.com/.

New Handheld Camera Pairs 1.3 Megapixel Resolution with an Affordable Price, Offering Ideal Solution for Long Distance Surveying of Critical Assets

Beaumont, Texas (September 26, 2022) -- Infrared Cameras Incorporated (ICI) today launched its Titan HD, a new 1.3-megapixel handheld camera that allows users to survey critical assets and infrastructure. The Titan HD’s 1280 x 1024 resolution is the highest in the industry for handheld thermal imagers, allowing for reliable, accurate temperature readings, even from a significant distance.

Engineered to accurately survey large and distant applications, the Titan HD leverages a 5.5-inch color LCD screen and 35 different temperature analysis points to aid in data collection and analysis in the field. The camera is also designed to cover a wide range of applications, measuring temperatures up to 1500 degrees Celsius (2,732 degrees Fahrenheit) to an accuracy of 1 degree Celsius.

“The Titan HD is a complete game changer, providing the highest resolution for a handheld camera in the industry” said Gary Strahan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ICI. “With 1.3 million pixels, users can survey vast applications like electrical substations and transmission lines quickly yet with extremely granular accuracy. Combine this with ICI’s leading SmartIR software and you have a solution that is unparalleled for inspections. This solution is especially valuable for applications requiring a small measurement spot size at long distance. The camera is also much lighter weight than many systems on the market that provide far less resolution.”

With leading resolution, a rotating viewfinder, and an ICI’s user-friendly SmartIR software, the camera is ideal for a wide range of inspection applications, including surveying electrical transmission lines and substations, petrochemical and plant equipment, insulation and building envelope inspections, scientific applications and much more. Users can define isotherms, record annotations, enable alarming functions, and capture images at set intervals. Video streaming is available via USB Type-C or HDMI.

Features include:

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support
• Touchscreen, 5.5” color LCD
• Hot spot and cold spot tracing
• Up to 35 temperature analysis elements
• Customized color alarm isotherms
• High-temperature measuring
• Audible alarm settings
• Automatic/manual file naming
• Video streaming via USB Type-C or HDMI
• Predefined text annotation lists
• Voice annotation support

For more, please visit www.infraredcameras.com.

About Infrared Cameras Inc.

Infrared Cameras Inc has been a leader in developing and manufacturing innovative infrared imaging technology since 1995. Veteran-owned and based in Beaumont, Texas, ICI offers complete infrared solutions, including equipment, custom designs, software, calibration, training, and more. The company's mission is to develop the most sensitive, accurate, and competitively priced infrared cameras in the world. To learn more about Infrared Cameras, visit www.infraredcameras.com or follow ICI on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.

Press Contact:

Andrew Klobucar

Andrew.klobucar@infraredcameras.com

Beaumont, Texas (April 4, 2022) – Infrared Cameras Incorporated (ICI) has been named to the fifth annual Vet100 list, created by Inc. 5000 in partnership with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). The list highlights the United States’ fastest growing veteran-owned and veteran-operated businesses named in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private organizations in the U.S.

Originally a list of 50 organizations, this is the third year since the list was expanded to include 100 companies in an effort to further highlight the economic prosperity being driven by U.S. veterans. “Economic prosperity is so important to so many aspects of American life, from home and main street to even our standing in the world,” said Scott Omelianuk, Inc.’s Editor in Chief. “Given that prosperity is driven by small business, and given, we now know, the impact Veteran founders have on that small business, we can only continue to recognize them and say, again, thank you for your service.”

ICI’s founder and CEO, Gary Strahan, served in the United States Navy from 1977 to 1981, where he was a Hull Technician and Diver. After being honorably discharged, Strahan worked in various roles at General Dynamics (San Diego CA), Campbell’s Shipyard (San Diego CA), Mobil Oil (Texas), ASC, before founding ICI in 1995. After leaving Mobil Gary worked as an Agema manufacturers representative, Agema and Flir merged in 1998, Gary worked directly for Flir after the merger and left to develop the ICI systems and software that exist today. “ICI is extremely proud to be recognized for our rapid growth, both in terms of revenue and innovation, allowing ICI to be number twenty-three on this prestigious list of 100 great organizations,” said Strahan. “We have an excellent team of professionals here at ICI and have built a great culture centered on core values of ethics, respect, honesty, and continuous improvement. These are values that are also present in our United States armed services and were consistently reinforced during my time in the Navy.”

The Inc. 5000 was founded in 1982 listing 500 of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. For 40 years, this prestigious list has featured many of the nation's most successful private companies and has become synonymous with success and entrepreneurship.

About Infrared Cameras Inc.

Infrared Cameras Inc has been a leader in developing and manufacturing innovative Medical, industrial, Drone, Aerial, Veterinary (Digatherm, Ocala FL), imaging technology systems and software since 1995. Veteran-owned and based in Beaumont, Texas, ICI offers complete infrared solutions, including equipment, custom designs, software, calibration, training, and more. The company's mission is to develop the most sensitive, accurate, and competitively priced infrared cameras and software in the world. To learn more about Infrared Cameras, visit www.infraredcameras.com or follow ICI on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.

Press Contact:

Andrew Klobucar

andrew.klobucar@infraredcameras.com

Businesses, Agencies, and Healthcare Providers Can Proactively Identify and Mitigate Issues, Enhancing Organizational Processes and Safety Measures

BEAUMONT, TEXAS (PRWEB) DECEMBER 08, 2021

To help businesses, agencies and healthcare providers protect their people from biorisk threats, Infrared Cameras Incorporated (ICI) today unveiled its new Biorisk Cloud Platform. Combining infrared technology and a proprietary, cloud-based data management solution, ICI helps organizations across industries report and manage biorisk, such as COVID-19, to avoid potential safety incidents and operational disruptions.

With accurate, real-time temperature readings, ICI’s platform streams data from thermal cameras to ICI’s proprietary cloud platform to identify biorisk patterns and threats before they cause operational issues like facility closures or shuttering of distribution centers. The cloud platform, supported by Amazon Web Services, can be readily integrated into an organization's current business intelligence and operational platforms to help enhance reporting and improve safety and operational processes.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations have realized tens of millions of lost operational hours due to outbreaks within their facilities,” said Gary Strahan, Chief Executive Officer at ICI. “Unfortunately, with new variants, including the extremely contagious Omicron variant, organizations will continue to be at risk of COVID-19 outbreaks within their facilities for years to come. Fortunately, ICI has developed a solution.”

According to the CDC, fever is the most common symptom of COVID-19 and is present in nearly 80% of cases. Through immediate, accurate identification of febrile individuals, organizations are able to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

“With nearly 90% of workers admitting to going to work while potentially infectious, outbreaks within organizations have become commonplace leading to employee downtime, lower outputs, and a negative impact to an organization’s bottom line. Our platform helps organizations keep their people safe and their operations running smoothly,” said Strahan.

Texas Children’s Hospital, one of the largest and most comprehensive specialty pediatric hospitals in the U.S., is using ICI’s Biorisk Cloud Platform for temperature screening across its hospital, clinic and specialty care center locations.

“Providing extra protection for everyone in our facilities, we have deployed thirty cameras for screening employees across our buildings, tracking temperatures to help prevent anyone with COVID-19 from entering,” said Bert Gumeringer, Senior Vice President of Facilities Operations, Texas Children’s Hospital. “This type of screening is now a way of life. ICI is making it a smooth and efficient process for us and employee response has been fantastic.”

ICI’s platform is catered to an organization’s structure and processes, allowing them to communicate the most relevant data to each user.

Key features of the platform include:

• Real-time, automated notifications;
• Multifaceted analytics based on proprietary AI algorithms
• Customizable dashboards;
• Ability to set benchmarks and identify deviations before they cause disruptions; and
• Seamless integration with your organization’s current systems and processes including most access control and Video Management Systems (VMS)

From design and implementation to calibration and training, ICI expert technicians service and educate customers every step of the way.

For more, please visit http://www.infraredcameras.com.

About Infrared Cameras Inc.

Infrared Cameras Inc has been a leader in developing and manufacturing innovative infrared imaging technology since 1995. Veteran-owned and based in Beaumont, Texas, ICI offers complete infrared solutions, including equipment, custom designs, software, calibration, training, and more. The company's mission is to develop the most sensitive, accurate, and competitively priced infrared cameras in the world. To learn more about Infrared Cameras, visit http://www.infraredcameras.com or follow ICI on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.

The agreement combines best-in-class thermal technology with AI-enabled predictive software to identify the presence of viral infection.

BEAUMONT, Texas, and BIRMINGHAM, Alabama Jan. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Infrared Cameras, Inc. (ICI), the leader in advanced biorisk-management technology, and Viral Sign, Inc. (Viral Sign), an innovator in the use of infrared technology and advanced screening software to detect viral infection, are pleased to announce a strategic alliance to supply advanced screening systems intended to help slow the spread of infectious disease, including COVID-19.

Click here to read the full article.

Gary Strahan donates $1.5M in infrared camera equipment to Meharry Medical College

BEAUMONT, Texas, Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Infrared Cameras, Inc. (ICI), the leader in advanced biorisk management technology, is pleased to share that CEO Gary Strahan has donated 150 thermal camera systems - a $1.5M market value - to Meharry Medical College.

Meharry Medical College is one of the nation's leading Historically Black Colleges (HBCs) and has been at the forefront of treatment, vaccine research and testing for COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. The cameras will be used by Meharry Medical College throughout the Metro Nashville public school system in Nashville, TN to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Click here to read the full article.

Healthcare workers are worried about Covid-19, research shows

Jan. 5, 2021 /Healthcare Global/ -- Less than 30 per cent of US healthcare workers feel safe going to work, according to a new survey.

The national survey by Infrared Cameras Inc (ICI), manufacturers of thermal cameras and infrared systems, also found that almost 40 percent of respondents think that their workplace is at risk for lawsuits due to lax safety measures. Nearly 20 percent reported they would consider suing their own employer if they contracted Covid-19 due to inadequate safety measures on the job.

Gary Strahan, CEO at ICI, commented on the findings: "As the number of Covid-19 cases are increasing again nationally and around the world, healthcare facilities need to rethink safety measures to ensure they're doing everything they can to protect healthcare workers on the frontlines. Our survey found that, despite safety measures already in place, the majority of healthcare workers do not feel safe at work."

Click here to read the full article.

40 percent of respondents believe their workplace is at risk for lawsuits

BEAUMONT, Texas, Dec. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, safety concerns for and among our nation's healthcare workers are mounting. Infrared Cameras, Inc. (ICI), the leader in advanced biorisk management technology, conducted a national survey of U.S. healthcare workers in November 2020, revealing that less than 30 percent feel safe going to work. Additionally, almost 40 percent of respondents think that their workplace is at risk for lawsuits due to lax safety measures. Nearly 20 percent reported they would consider suing their own employer if they contracted COVID-19 due to inadequate safety measures on the job.

With an exclusive software system, tailored planning strategy and more than 25 years of industry experience, ICI is poised to assist healthcare facilities and organizations in mitigating biorisk and protecting workers from contracting the virus and employers from lawsuits. Learn how ICI can help your organization prepare for and lessen the burden of the current biorisk.

Click here for the full article.

BEAUMONT, Texas, Dec. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With the anticipated record-setting increase in online holiday shopping, Infrared Cameras, Inc. (ICI), the leader in advanced temperature screening technology, is ensuring the health and safety of logistics and transportation staff.

Click here for full article.

As states adapt their COVID-19 restrictions, business owners strategically prepare for a safer return to work. For many, reopening is tantamount to survival.  3.3 million owners lost their businesses from February to April alone. Additionally, reports estimate that 35.1 million employees could be out of the job if the public health crisis persists into 2021. The reopening of businesses will provide some much needed financial relief. This affects not only employers but also their workforce.

The complication owners face is a growing number of liability lawsuits as employees return to work while the crisis is still ongoing. Claims that an office has failed to take necessary health and safety precautions can cost businesses millions. Even without this threat, it is imperative for businesses to focus on the health and safety of employees while factoring in liability. This is possible only if owners begin making necessary changes to control and manage biorisk in the workplace. By making the following updates and adjusting to the new era of health and safety, you can prepare for a safe and successful return to work for all.

What measures can I take to make the workplace safer?

The CDC’s return to work guidelines highlights the need to make changes both to the workplace and to the way employees carry out their work. Offices should create a comprehensive plan based on a workplace hazard assessment. Use control measures to identify hazards. Employee education and involvement are key. Workers should know the ways that COVID-19 transfers and feel confident that your business is adjusting to keep them safer.

CDC controls include requiring face coverings, health screenings, and spacing out workstations. Offices should increase disinfection practices and eliminate high-touch items like coffee pots. Encourage sick employees to stay home, consider shift-staggering, and incentivize low-risk transportation methods.

Workplace hazard assessment

Prepare the office to get back to work safely after COVID-19 with a workplace hazard assessment. Inspect the facility for any areas where the infection is likely to spread, like meeting rooms, check-in areas, and routes like hallways. Follow through by reducing these risks, and supply employees with PPE for jobs where it is necessary. Ensure ventilation systems work properly, and consider increasing airflow with fans or windows. Listen to the manager and employee concerns and be flexible when making changes to meet their needs.

Employee health checks

Back to work guidelines also recommend utilizing employee health checks. Ensure that employees are free of COVID-19 symptoms before they enter the workplace. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, or breathing troubles. The CDC points out that screening questions should focus on “new” symptoms, as chronic symptoms are likely not a sign of infection. Temperature checks are uniquely useful for screening purposes. Anyone with an elevated temperature of 100.4 F or higher should not be allowed in the workplace.

How do I prepare employees to get back to work safely?

To prepare employees for returning to work after COVID-19 closures, consider both their health and wellbeing. You might:

• Send a welcome back email or host an informative event to explain work adjustments.
• Provide resources for personal hygiene and cleanliness. 
• Set up disinfection stations in the office.
• Provide extra wellness resources such as virtual seminars.
• Give workers a space to express any concerns or problems they might have. 
• Provide education about work from home and sick leave policies. 
• Take precautions such as employee health checks to put workers at ease.

These actions promote a positive company culture and open communication. They also help you to assess employee concerns so you can better adjust business practices.

What are the return-to-work instructions for employees with COVID-19?

The CDC return to work guidelines requires employees to isolate themselves at home after testing positive for COVID-19. Provide these employees with resources for what to do when sick. Other employees who were in close contact with the infected worker should also quarantine or work from home for 14 days in most cases.

Per the CDC, employees with COVID-19 who are symptomatic can return to work:

• 10 or more days after showing symptoms and
• 24 hours after fever ceases without fever-reducing medication and
• After other symptoms decrease

Employees without symptoms can return to work 10 days after first testing positive. To reduce corporate liability and further risk, employers should close off the sick employee’s work areas and wait 24 hours to disinfect them. Inform all coworkers of the potential infection risk while protecting the privacy of the sick individual. Consider implementing precautions like ICI’s Biorisk Management Platform to further reduce liability.

Get back to work safely with a biorisk management solution

By making necessary workplace changes and preparing your employees, you provide a safer return to work for all. Adapt to the changing times, revise your outdated safety plans, and ensure your business thrives. Infrared Cameras, Inc. is here to prepare businesses to meet the new imperatives brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact us to find out how our Biorisk Management Platform can protect your employees and safeguard your company.

The coronavirus outbreak has and continues to reshape when people leave their homes. Canceled vacations and closed businesses are costing over $46 billion in room revenue. Projections place overall losses at 50% for 2020. This also impacts a reported 4.8 million hospitality workers that are without work.

In the midst of these devastating statistics, the hospitality industry has proven necessary. Even with numbers down, people continue to need or want to go and stay places. It is then up to our hotels, resorts, and other shared living spaces to reduce biorisk in hospitality. With proper sanitization and tools, the industry can provide a safer destination for guests and staff. Body temperature checks with thermal cameras can help slow the spread at the door. To get you started, here are some of the top protocols for lodging and hotel safety.

Protect your hotel staff and guests with a reopening protocol in place

The CDC’s guidance for commercial lodging starts with staff education. Employers should create and share COVID-19 operating and safety policies with staff. Then a designated point of contact for employee support is imperative. Hotels should assess all lodging facilities paying special attention to communal areas. This can help identify places in which infection is most likely to spread. This includes areas such as dining rooms, lobbies, bedrooms, and laundry rooms. Management should then implement a combination of the following measures for staff and guest safety:

Hotel changes for staff safety

• Arrange staff workstations to be six feet apart and non-facing other employees.
• Install barriers or arrange payment centers to allow for distancing between staff and guests.
• Decrease usage of high-touch items such as card readers. Instead use online services for check-ins, payments, menus, and more.
• Monitor temperatures of guests at check-in infrared kiosks.
• Encourage employees to stay home when sick, and write clear protocols for coming back to work safely.

Disinfection protocols for improving guest safety

• Dispose of any single-use items left in rooms.
• Sanitize surfaces with solutions approved for COVID-19 operations.
• Increase the cleaning of frequently touched areas. Provide staff with wipes for cleaning after every guest interaction.
• Consider implementing a lodging temperature check for all employees.
• Take extra precautions when cleaning linens. Wear gloves, do not shake, and dry on the highest heat setting.
• Create a plan for cleaning rooms of guests confirmed to be sick. No one should enter the room for at least 24 hours after the guest leaves.

How can hospitality temperature screening improve hotel safety?

The CDC’s lodging and accommodations guidelines state that people should stay home when sick. Temperature screening in hotels helps identify individuals with elevated temperatures. Body temperature checks are compatible with entrances, restaurants, lobbies, and more. With the ICI Biorisk Management Platform, hotels can help limit contamination and corporate liability in hospitality. This also shows staff and resort visitors that their health is your utmost concern.

What are my options for body temperature checks?

Hospitality temperature screening tools for hotel safety provide top speed, ease, and accuracy. Keep your employees safe with contactless body temperature checks from a safe distance. We offer a variety of infrared camera systems to fit every hotel, resort, and lodging facility. No matter the size, the volume, or the number of entrances, temperature screening for guests and staff is customizable. Centralized monitoring of all cameras ensures seamless integration within any existing security systems. With our reliable enterprise services, you can confidently provide guests with the highest level of hotel safety.

Attended temperature screening for guests

ICI’s attended systems are ideal for high traffic areas like hotel lobbies and apartment front offices. When guests arrive, infrared cameras quickly sense elevated skin temperature. An operator controls flow and monitors results on a separate screen. Red light/green light and audible alerts allow for easy identification. Keep things moving with fast and accurate attended hospitality temperature screening systems.

Self-Service workplace entrance screening

Self-service kiosks are ideal for slow-to-moderate traffic locations like resorts or employee entrances. Resort visitors and staff members follow prompts on a screen to have their temperatures checked. Results and identification then print out on a badge. These badges have the ability to control access to certain parts of the lodging facility. Provide your long-term guests and employees with stress-free safety. 

How to protect yourself from COVID-19 while traveling?

As families and travelers begin to venture out again, the CDC has released special guidance for commercial lodging. They advise travelers to contact their destinations beforehand. Stay informed about the hotel’s Covid-19 operating and safety policies. Also, check that employees wear masks, disinfect surfaces often, and practice distancing.
During your stay, use online services as much as possible. Online check-in, payments, and menu order help reduce contact with shared objects. Do your best to take extra caution in common areas where six feet distance is difficult such as elevators, gyms, and restaurants. 

Provide Peace of Mind with Hospitality Temperature Screening

Traveling looks a little different this year. But by following health and sanitation hotel protocols, hotels can help ensure that travelers enjoy a safer stay. We are here to help peace of mind with infrared hospitality temperature screening. Our thermography experts can help find a perfect solution for your lodging facility.

BEAUMONT, Texas, Oct. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spur increased traffic at medical facilities across the country, Infrared Cameras Inc., the leader in advanced temperature screening technology, is helping hospitals safeguard visitors and staff using ICI's solution. ICI's temperature screening system is rapid and highly accurate. The technology brings peace of mind to patients, healthcare providers, administrative staff, service workers and visitors as one of the most effective solutions available to mitigate the risk of spreading viruses.  

Click here for full article.

In the COVID-19 outbreak, the country has looked to our healthcare system with increased interest. As we stayed home to flatten the curve, we relied on doctors, nurses, and hospital staff to keep patients and visitors safe.  Now months in, changes in hospital service have become part of the new normal. From required PPE and COVID-19 wings to telehealth and temperature screening at the door, hospitals continue to take precautions. This ensures the health of staff, patients, and visitors.

Like most things, hospitals look a little different right now. Staff have spaced out waiting rooms for distancing, and visitors aren’t allowed in many cases. Nurses advise patients to call ahead of their visits, so staff can plan ahead for potentially infected individuals. Doctors are delaying or moving elective appointments and procedures online. To better explain, we’ve detailed common adjustments that hospital service has made to ensure public safety.

Limiting Healthcare System Visitors

As the CDC recommends, many hospitals only allow visitors who are necessary for the well-being or treatment of a patient. Nurses encourage patients to contact visitors by phone while being treated in the hospital. Those who must be physically present have to pass an evaluation and screening for infection risk. For childbirths, some hospitals are allowing one visitor to share the moment with the mother. Fewer people mean less chance of infection entering the hospital.

Healthcare System Temperature Screening

Hospitals also use temperature screening to identify potential COVID-19 cases. Many use temperature guns or an infrared camera system to detect an elevated temperature. The CDC advises that hospital service staff set up a screening system outside of the hospital, and screen everyone who enters. This helps identify symptomatic staff, visitors, and patients before they can spread infection.

Attended Solutions

Temperature screening solutions involving an appointed operator to monitor screening are perfect for high traffic areas in a hospital. These systems use thermal cameras, temperature references, and a screen for maximum accuracy. They quickly and easily check people for an elevated temperature as they approach the camera. Screening stations with an operator allow for centralized monitoring with a plethora of alerts enabled. This makes systems convenient to integrate into existing security and check in systems, all while the operator is able to follow recommended social distancing guidelines.

Self-Service Solutions

Self-service screening kiosks are easy to integrate and are ideal for low to moderate levels of traffic like employee entrances. Upon arriving, employees follow prompts on the kiosk screen to get their temperatures scanned. The kiosk then prints out a badge displaying the employee’s picture and temperature result. The badge feature is perfect for restricting access to certain areas of the hospital, without undergoing a temperature screening.

General Hospital Services and Patients

Hospital service has also adjusted the way they care for non COVID-19 patients to reduce the risk of infection. While the first option is still to conduct appointments over the phone or video, sometimes it is necessary for a patient to go to the hospital. The CDC advises all hospitals to monitor case transmission in their area to make decisions. Staff might use daily screenings or require COVID-19 testing of all admitted patients. They may place physical barriers between patients and staff. Some hospitals use outdoor examination areas and triage stations. They may also isolate COVID-19 patients in certain areas of the hospital.

ICI’s Hospital Support Services

At ICI, our aim is to make it easy for hospitals to use infrared solutions for fast and accurate temperature screening. We are here to support all medical staff and patients as you strive to keep people safer in hospitals. Every hospital has its own existing security and admittance structures and making changes to those can require tedious work. But our systems use centralized monitoring helping simply the integration into current systems and relieving unneeded stress through the process.

Maintaining distance is something we have learned to implement into our day to day lives. The structure of our temperature screening solutions cultivates a seamless way to keep a safe distance between the system operator and patient. Because our systems can be touchless, there is less risk of contamination. Tools like these, set visitors, patients, and staff at ease by catching COVID-19 symptoms at the door.

Slow the Spread with Infrared

Health service has and continues to adapt to ensure public health. Whether it means limiting visitors, temperature screening, or extra measures for Non COVID-19 patients, the healthcare system is working to keep us as safe as possible. As hospitals move forward into the new normal, some are beginning elective surgeries and non COVID-19 exams again. And ICI is here to help. Learn more about which of our infrared temperature screening solutions is the best fit to help your facility slow the spread.

Going out to eat looks different in 2020. For months, indoor dining has been limited and even closed in many cities across the nation. This lack of business has caused many restaurant owners a great deal of financial stress. As restaurants have begun to reopen their doors to onsite dining, it is crucial that we create a safer dining experience for patrons and staff with a few steps to lead us in the right direction.

The CDC released a list of preventative measures restaurants should take in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 as indoor dining resumes. Restaurants are encouraged to offer outdoor dining options to guests to allow for socially distanced tables in all areas. Temperature screening at the door is recommended across the country and is even required in some states, such as New York. Save restaurants and help return business with precautions such as these and proper PPE and face covering requirements, all while guests can reclaim the excitement and convenience of dining-in.

Outdoor Seating

When taking the leap back into dining in a public setting, outdoor seating is a great place to start! Many cities across the country have implemented outdoor dining while indoor dining rooms are still closed. This is a great option to allow for natural airflow and reduce person to person interaction in enclosed spaces. Restaurants with pre-existing patio dining, have provided a quick solution for patrons. On the other hand, many businesses have gone out of their way to build outdoor seating into their previous layout and workflow to create a safe dining experience for their guests. Outdoor seating has become one of the most popular quick-fix solutions to save restaurants and encourage a safer return to on-site dining.

Temperature Screening

Some cities have begun to reopen their doors for indoor dining along with the outdoor seating options. This luxury comes with new guidelines and requirements. Temperature screening checks at restaurant entrances are required in New York City for indoor dining and are recommended across the country. Implementing thermal cameras at entrance points helps save restaurants with a frontline defense for the establishment and offers greater peace of mind for employees and patrons. ICI offers both handheld and fixed mount solutions to provide a variety of products and features for all types of restaurant entrances and price points. These body surface temperature screening devices help keep symptomatic patrons and employees out of food establishments and intercept possible contamination.

Fixed Mount

A Mobile Cart Fixed Mount System is the perfect solution for restaurants with high traffic. Attended solutions, such as this one, are equipped with centralized monitoring to make integration into existing security systems convenient and stress free. Rapid screening allows an employee to scan the body surface temperature of a person before entering the building with speed and efficiency which removes the risk of long lines or backups at the door. Streamline the movement of people as guests are seated, all while the employee remains socially distanced from patrons.

Handheld

Mom and Pop shops may find that handheld temperature screening options better fit the needs of their business. With lower traffic flows and congestion of people, handheld infrared thermometers provide a cost efficient tool for temperature screening.  This non contact process allows an operator to scan the body temperature of a guest and recognize elevated temperatures from a short distance. The LCD screen and audible alerts ensure this tool is simple to use and highly effective. ICI’s handheld equipment is lightweight and portable to enable it for mobile use.

Social Distanced Dining

Whether dining outdoors or inside a restaurant, it is crucial to practice social distancing. Restaurants have the ability to rearrange tables and floor plans to ensure the maximum amount of space between patrons and ample room for employees to move about the establishment. When dining indoors, there is less natural airflow. Therefore, spread out tables encourage social distanced dining. The CDC recommends symptomatic people to stay home to slow the spread of contamination. We can catch some symptoms at the door through temperature screening. When it comes to asymptomatic people, tools, and techniques such as socially distanced seating arrangements save restaurants with an easily implemented precaution.

Employee Protection with PPE and Face Covering Requirements

Employee protection is rightfully a high priority for restaurant owners. Acquiring and wearing proper PPE is an important step to create a safer environment for restaurant staff.  A cloth face covering is most important when it is difficult to keep a physical distance. These masks should be worn in the proper fashion and washed according to CDC recommendations. It is crucial to encourage guests to keep face coverings on at all times, when not eating. This simple precaution is a buffer and defense against unintentional contamination.

Slow the Spread at The Door

The year 2020 has thrown a wrench into many businesses, but we can help save restaurants if we take these few precautions. When outdoor seating is offered as an option, temperature screening is in place, tables are socially distanced, and proper PPE and face coverings are worn, we are working to slow the spread of COVID-19 at the door. The more intentional restaurants are to implement a frontline defense, the quicker we can return to indoor dining with peace of mind. As indoor dining begins to reopen, it is up to restaurant owners to create a safer dining experience. Take advantage of this turnkey solution, and protect your employees and patrons with ICI temperature screening technology.

BEAUMONT, Texas, Sept. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Infrared Cameras Inc, the leader in advanced temperature screening technology, unveiled its new ICI Partner Program. The program is designed to unite best-in-class integrators and solution providers to help their customers mitigate the current biorisk threat, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as subsequent litigation that threatens to derail the economic recovery.

Click here for full article.

BEAUMONT and IRVING, Texas, Sept. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/  -- As air travel begins to pick up, Infrared Cameras Inc. (ICI), the leader in advanced temperature screening technology, in conjunction with NEC Corporation of America (NEC), is providing a safer way to get business and vacation travelers back in the air through the use of high-accuracy, touchless thermal cameras. With its rapid temperature screening system, ICI provides a frontline measure to detect elevated temperature—one of the first symptoms of COVID-19—to protect passengers, airport workers and flight staff.

Click here for full article.

It looks as though COVID-19 is here to stay. With our lifestyles so drastically altered over the last several months, there is a growing sense of public restlessness. Industries worldwide are developing new technologies and procedures to get back to normal without sacrificing safety. The travel industry is no exception.

A new normal is forming with temperature screening at airports. The next time you enter an airport, you’re likely to encounter a few new airport screening procedures. There are exciting and innovative updates for traveling, especially those involving infrared technology and airports.

Check-In and Thermal Screening Process

Once you’ve booked a flight to your favorite getaway. New policies and technologies may mean a new check-in experience. Travelers could now encounter temperature screening at airport entrances. Additionally, airports around the country are testing biometric facial recognition to decrease physical contact.

As expected, heightened disinfection practices are currently implemented worldwide. These might include fog or UV disinfectors for bag sterilization, which are already in use in certain locations. Some airports around the world are even requiring passengers to pass through individual disinfection stations.

Airports are working hard to limit contact in order to protect their employees and passengers. Airlines are implementing large barriers or telecommunication for travelers to connect with staff. These futuristic methods could streamline air travel while keeping passengers and staff protected.

Masks, Masks, Masks

Most major airports already have a face covering requirement in place, so plan to bring your mask. TSA now requires airport staff to wear masks, gloves, and eye protection. There is also mandatory social distancing. With measures such as directional signage, blocking off chairs, removing tables, and prohibiting non. Most airports are also implementing rigorous cleaning protocols, especially for highly trafficked areas.

Touch-Free Technology

The world has shifted towards using mobile phones for nearly everything. But COVID-19 has pushed airports to develop fresh new technology to keep the public safe. Online check-in is already familiar to most, however, touchless biometric iris and facial scanners are a new concept. These are already in use by major airlines such as Delta, and they are now used in large airports across the US. These measures potentially render the need to hand identification cards, boarding passes, and forms of payment obsolete.

New Airport Screening Procedures During Security

Visualize the pre-COVID-19 security screening process. Crowds poured into packed lines, bottlenecking into a small area. Personal items shuffled and examined, bins filled, and handed from person to person. From a social distancing standpoint, this model is no longer a responsible practice. Restructuring the security screening experience is necessary to ensure the publics’ safety.

Implementing a 6-foot radius between individuals and mandating masks will cause space issues and time delays. And there’s still the cross-contamination to address, with the constant handling of bins and baskets. The new process must overcome major logistical challenges.

Airports are working hard to roll out new solutions and airport screening procedures that allow people to remain socially distanced without compromising the process. Here is a look at a few of the updated procedures we can expect as we avoid COVID-19 in airports.

A New Way to Fall in Line

Each airport is implementing its own process while considering numerous logistical options. Some will reduce the number of security lanes in operation. While others such as Montreal’s international airport are allowing people to book an appointment to go through the security checkpoint ahead of time. Other options might include a type of fast pass that signals a traveler when it’s time to head to security. These will allow staff to disinfect properly and keep people at a safe distance from one another.

Thermal Screening Process at Airport Security

Some airports are utilizing infrared technology to spot people with elevated temperatures. This process works by mounting a thermal camera to the metal detector. As flyers approach the metal detector, the camera scans for a temperature. If the flyer has an elevated body temperature then an alert will be shown on the screen to alert airport staff. The scan takes a few seconds, keeping the flow of traffic moving. Overall, temperature screening at airports makes it easy to separate potentially ill individuals from the general public.

Packing and Items

Staying up to date with TSA’s guidelines for packing is a great way to reduce contamination. Following guidelines allows agents to simply scan your bag rather than opening and searching it. As updated regulations are published, it is important to stay up to date. One important updated regulation is food items must be separated in a clear plastic bag and X-ray examined by themselves. Another new change passengers will appreciate is the allowance of up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer per traveler.

New Airport Screening Procedures in the Boarding Process

Airlines are working to implement a boarding process to keep passengers and staff healthy. Interactions with airline staff now look different. Passengers now will hold up their documents rather than passing them to staff members. TSA agents and flight staff wear protective equipment such as face coverings and gloves. Food and beverage services are less frequent. The following are a few additional procedural changes to expect in the actual boarding process.

Temperature Screening at the Gate

Airlines around the world are implementing temperature screening procedures including Delta and Southwest Airlines. Screened by staff as they board the plane, temperatures are quickly and accurately measured via handheld infrared thermometers or mounted infrared cameras. All airlines are different, but standard practice is that individuals registering a temperature higher than 100.4 would not be permitted to enter the plane.

New Protocols for Entering the Plane

Extra social distancing policies are also implemented in the boarding process. Disinfectants like fogs and hospital grade antimicrobial cleaners are used between flights. Passengers will board in much smaller numbers, than in the past. Southwest plans to board just 10 people at a time. Delta airlines are boarding planes from the back to the front, reducing contact between passengers.

Your Safety is the Priority

A lot is changing as we focus on public health while maintaining normal activities in our lives. While the new procedures might leave you feeling lost, keep in mind the priority is to allow us to travel without sacrificing health. Staying up to date with the ongoing changes and making every effort to comply is the best way to avoid undue stress as you are faced with temperature screening at airports.

As schools and businesses reopen, leaders have a lot of questions about how to do so safely. Temperature screening is an efficient and accurate precaution for enhancing safety. Infrared thermometers are a popular choice for reopening businesses, but thermal cameras offer the best, most accurate, and safest option for screening temperatures. Here’s a quick comparison between the two technologies:

Thermal Cameras:

• Scan temperatures from a couple of meters away, allowing for safe and distanced screening
• Options for temperature screening without an operator, allowing for savings on labor costs
• Highly accurate to a fraction of a degree Celsius
• Ideal for situations with a lot of foot traffic
• Measure the temperature of every pixel captured by the camera

Infrared Thermometers:

• Scan temperatures from a couple of centimeters away, requiring close physical distance when screening
• Produce temperature readings on an LCD screen rather than a complete thermal image
• Measure the temperature of one target location

How to Pick the Right Thermal Camera for Your Business

In order to source the right camera for your local business reopening, there are three questions to ask. If you’re not sure how to answer the following, contact the ICI support team to guide you through the process. Our team is friendly and very knowledgeable, with ongoing development projects that make us leaders in the infrared camera industry.

1. How much traffic flow do you receive?

For your businesses to reopen successfully, you have to ask how much traffic flow comes through your door? Specific cameras can accommodate multiple types of crowds with varying habits.

For example, ICI’s Centurion self-screening kiosk is perfect for workplace settings with low to moderate amounts of traffic flow where employees enter and clock in for work shifts with badges proving their temperatures are within the normal range. On the other hand, some venues with lots of customers entering, such as amusement parks or sports arenas, will require an operator and camera with supreme speed and accuracy like the FM 640 P.

You can research specifics here and contact our team for more detailed information.

2. In what physical location do you need to conduct screenings?

Secondly, where you choose to place your thermal camera is an important decision that can influence the type of camera you should select. Consider how much physical space you’re able to dedicate to a screening station, the number of entrances, and if those entrances need a screening station. Smaller cameras can mount to metal detectors, while others easily mount to a tripod. For customers who prefer them, ICI has handheld options. Self-screening kiosks can also be set up near entryways.

3. Will there be an operator assisting the screening?

Last but not least, you will need to either appoint an operator to monitor screening or utilize a self-service screening process. The operator would direct individuals to stand in front of the camera while monitoring the red light/ green light signal system. Alternatively, you can let the technology control the flow. With the self-service screening system individuals approach the kiosk, input required information, and undergo screening. All without an operator. Upon a passing temperature, the individual is granted a badge to prove they’ve undergone the screening.

What Thermal Technology Does Your Organization Need?

Regardless of industry, these questions are imperative for business owners looking for thermal cameras to safely reopen their facilities. Infrared technology is a critical measure for reopening businesses safely due to COVID-19. Whether you’re in an office building with limited foot traffic, or in an airport screening masses of travelers before they board, we have a solution for you!

Infrared Cameras are veteran-owned, and our devices are calibrated and assembled by hand right here in the United States. Our support team is standing by to help you learn how to reopen your business with thermal technology. We’re available from 8am-5pm CST at 1 (866) 861-0788. Don’t wait — call us today to strategize a safe solution for reopening your business.

Many businesses are using handheld temperature guns to scan their customers’ forehead from a distance of only a couple of centimeters. However, these are not always efficient for large buildings with high occupancies and a constant influx of visitors. This is where many decision-makers are turning to thermal cameras.

Thermal cameras are an effective solution for all types of facilities, whether they accept customers and visitors, or just employees. Camera systems are installed a couple of meters from the individuals being scanned. This way, there is a minuscule risk between the operator and the individual being scanned.

There is a thermal imaging temperature screening solution for any setting that wants to successfully screen temperatures while keeping operations and traffic flowing. Check out where to use thermal imaging cameras to increases safety and efficiency.

Schools

One of the best ways to keep students and staff safer, drive lines running smoothly, and classes on time is to install thermal cameras in schools and universities. Although thermal imaging uses vary depending on the campus size and configuration, there is a camera for every location to fit the needs of school administrators. To be most effective, school officials should use them at main entrances, in cafeterias, gyms, and other areas that make it difficult to maintain a six-foot distance between individuals. Thermal imagers installed around schools can provide the opportunities to keep students, visitors, and staff out of populated areas if they have an elevated temperature.

Airports

Many airlines are implementing policies that require passengers to undergo temperature screening prior to boarding the flight. This new process can help prevent contagious diseases from spreading to new regions of the United States and across the globe.

Airports can help ease the extra strain on travelers and airlines by performing temperature screens at TSA checkpoints. Due to the versatility of thermal imaging and the ability for cameras to be mounted onto metal detectors, the cameras add minimal time to the process. Airlines also have the option to purchase and utilize thermal camera technology at the gate or at aircraft entrances to ensure their policy is followed in a social distancing manner.

Large Venues

The cancellation of major events like sports and concerts has large venues looking for a way to reopen safely. One of the most practical thermal imaging uses is to scan spectators as they pass through security checkpoints. As ticket holders enter, they can be quickly screened by mounted cameras, and only those with elevated temperatures will be flagged for a secondary evaluation. Thermal imaging cameras can help protect a large number of people in a short period of time.

Office Buildings

Many professional buildings are limiting the number of guests and enhancing their sanitization practices. Thermal camera kiosks located near the entrances of office buildings can add an extra layer of protection. Ideally, these kiosks can be used to protect building occupants without slowing business activities. A convenient way to accomplish this is to place a thermal camera system like the ICI Centurion kiosk at entrances for employees to interact with as they enter. Once the employee undergoes the temperature screening, if it is a passing temperature then they are granted access on their control card or receive a printed badge.

Malls

Deciding where to use thermal imaging cameras in malls is critical to ensure the most effective use of the system. Unlike other large buildings, mall visitors enter in a more dispersed manner through many entryways. This is a challenge for mall management to keep track of the number of customers shopping inside. Placing infrared cameras near entrances and food courts can help scan a large number of people in a timely fashion.

Where to Use Thermal Imaging Cameras?

As we fight to get the COVID-19 pandemic under control, business owners are taking measured steps to keep their customers and employees safe. There are many effective thermal imaging uses to help businesses reopen as safely as possible. Contact our team today to learn more!

BEAUMONT, Texas, Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With the fall semester in full swing, Infrared Cameras Inc. (ICI), the leader in advanced temperature screening technology, is providing a safer way to get students back in the classroom with ICI technology – through the use of high-accuracy thermal cameras. With its rapid temperature screening system, ICI enables educators, administrators, parents and students to start the year with peace of mind, knowing their schools are using the most effective technology available to safeguard their health.

Click here for full article.

Education in 2020 is full of uncertainty. With virtually no transition time, parents and teachers adapted to distance learning. Now, with many school districts around the country considering a return to the classroom this fall, parents and educators alike are concerned. They want to know what measures to expect that will ensure school is a safe place. From bus rides, class activities, and extracurriculars, everyone is wondering what the new normal looks like.

Parents can feel confident knowing back to school safety is a priority. To create a safer environment, decision makers are working hard to put plans in place for a safe re-entry. With rigorous sanitation and hygiene practices, schools are also tapping into state-of-the-art thermal imaging technology. Using infrared cameras for temperature screenings in conjunction with other measures will create a safer space for students to learn and interact.

Temperature Screening Locations for Back to School Safety

Temperature screenings are a frontline measure for safeguarding students and staff. An elevated temperature is one of the first and easiest symptoms of illness to identify. Since infrared camera systems are quick, touchless, and extremely accurate, they are perfect for school entrances.

Infrared systems consist of a thermal camera, temperature reference, and screen or computer. Using these systems is simple and stress free. As individuals pass in front of the infrared camera, a skin temperature measurement is shown on the monitor within seconds. A pass/fail response is then generated on the monitor through a green light and a red light. The response lets the individual know if they should proceed into the facility or stop. The following are possible locations for these screening systems.

School Buses

Implementing temperature checks as students board the school bus is a proactive way to keep potentially ill students from entering. Many state guidelines recommend pre-boarding temperature detection for the upcoming school year. This helps safeguard both students and bus drivers.

School Entrances

Once on the school grounds, thermal imaging checkpoints at entryways are fully capable of handling the large crowds of both students and staff. Rapid screening speed ensures classes begin on time while maintaining visitors’ safety and health. Additionally, thermal imaging systems are completely portable for ultimate mobility. It can easily be moved to alternative entrances for flexible use such as basketball games, pep rallies, and fine arts events.

Thermal cameras enable temperature screening to occur from a safe distance. Operators can stand a couple meters away from the individual being screened, as opposed to the couple of centimeter range needed for the common infrared thermometers. For large campuses, these temperature screening systems easily integrate into existing workflows.

High Traffic Entryways

Areas with heavy foot traffic, such as student entry points, are ideal for fixed mount cameras with an operator who monitors the pass/fail temperature test results. In the event that a high temperature is detected, light and sound alerts go off, as well as text and email notifications.

Low Traffic Entryways

Entryways that receive low to moderate amounts of foot traffic on campus, such as staff-only entrances, are ideal for self-service solutions that don’t require an operator. In these situations, teachers and staff members can screen their temperatures rapidly on a kiosk camera tower. Kiosks can be touch-free and incorporate badging for access control.

ICI: Helping Students Get Back to the Classroom Safely

As parents and teachers look toward a fall semester in the classroom, educational institutions are working proactively to keep students and their families safe. Implementing infrared technology is a proven solution that will safeguard students, staff and families.

Infrared Cameras Inc is a global leader and manufacturer of infrared systems. Operating for 25 years, ICI’s products are used worldwide in governmental agencies, airports, hospitals, school districts, and more. Connect with us to learn more about infrared technology is keeping people safe by slowing the spread of COVID-19.

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has selected NEC Corporation, NEC Corporation of America and their partner, Infrared Cameras Inc., to provide thermal temperature screening and facial imaging technology at Hawaii’s public airports to help protect the community and identify passengers with a potentially elevated body temperature. The companies combined resources to submit a unified proposal for the project.

“Taking these steps to implement the technology at our airports shows our commitment to providing preventative measures against COVID-19 for the community,” said Gov. David Ige. “We recognize that temperature screening won’t catch every infected passenger, but it is an available tool that can be implemented and combined with the additional measures the State is providing to help prevent the spread of this virus, while helping rebuild the economy.”

The full press release on Hdot Selects Passenger Screening Technology Provider for Hawaii’s Airports can be found here.

As states begin to reopen, teams all around the United States will likely begin recalling players. Infrared technology can play a crucial role in getting the sports industry back to work safely, according to Texas-based Infrared Cameras. Inc. 

Click here for full article.

Beaumont, Texas – As states begin to reopen, teams all around the United States will likely begin recalling players. Infrared technology can play a crucial role in getting the sports industry back to work safely, according to Texas-based Infrared Cameras Inc.

In shaping the new experience of sporting events post-COVID-19, temperature screening can lead to a safer environment, according to leaders at Infrared Cameras Inc. Implementing this measure ensures spectator and player safety by preventing individuals with elevated body temperatures from entering stadiums and venues.

Infrared technology is attractive for sporting events because of its powerful capability to quickly and accurately determine surface temperature. Thermographic imaging allows for screening at a safe distance, in a matter of seconds, which will be critical as fans pour into arenas and stadiums.

The full press release on Infrared Temperature Screenings to Expand Into Live Sports can be found here.

Infrared cameras are changing how we see the world. From temperature screenings in workplaces to home inspections in real estate, countless professionals are now capitalizing on the benefit of IR imaging. But why? Infrared technology brings hidden treasures and lurking threats safely into an observable view.

While traditional visible-light cameras capture images of objects radiating light visible to the naked eye, an infrared camera captures what the human eye cannot see. All objects radiate energy, but some wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum are invisible. Detectors in an infrared camera capture a particular range of invisible energy emission (700-1000 nm) and then express each heat value (or wavelength) through a set of corresponding colors. The resulting image is called a thermography.

What is an Infrared Camera Used For?

Infrared cameras have a wide range of industry applications. Though recently, they have gained widespread international attention for their ability to perform temperature calculations in temperature screening measures, thermal imaging cameras can also help medical and veterinary professionals to identify injury and illness. Electricians and building inspectors utilize IR technology to detect deterioration, corrosion, leaks, and other potential dangers.

IR is advantageous because obstructions like fog or darkness do not limit the outcome. For example, law enforcement officers and hunters can use thermography to detect security threats or predators under the cover of night or even hidden behind objects or walls. Infrared photography also provides a level of safety as there is no direct contact necessary to obtain the measurement in potentially high-risk situations.

Do Infrared Cameras Work In the Daylight?

Infrared cameras should not be confused with night vision, which enhances visible light. Because infrared cameras measure light that is not visible, they can work in darkness as well as daylight. Some professional photographers enjoy using infrared cameras to capture artistic images because they reflect elements like colors, textures, the sky, trees, and even human subjects differently than visible light photographs. For commercial and industrial use, ICI offers numerous products that will capture the heat and energy emissions outside in broad daylight.

What Do Thermal Imaging Colors Mean?

Because infrared radiation is not visible, color palettes are convenient ways to see and understand a thermal image. Within the camera is an infrared sensor along with thousands of pixels. Each pixel captures the radiation emitted from the target area and is individually expressed in the final image. The final image shows the full temperature of every pixel — not just the average.

The color map, or palette, can be assigned and specifically tailored to give a visual representation of the different wavelength emissions. For instance, you may opt to have colder temperatures expressed by the color blue, medium yellow, and red hot. The combined readings of each pixel are processed and produces a thermal image, a vibrant RGB rendering based on the selected color map.

For example, in most thermal images, red and bright white symbolize the hottest parts of the image. Green, blue, and purple symbolize cooler temperatures.

How To Get the Best Thermal Images

While infrared cameras detect and project object temperature with extreme accuracy, there are many factors to consider in order to ensure correct data.

Not all infrared cameras are created equal. Some are designed for industrial use, while others are better suited for medical use or other purposes. Proper tools and an understanding of the equipment are essential.

You must also consider environmental conditions when utilizing infrared imaging cameras. Since the images measure radiated heat, external factors such as the sun, shadows, cold temperature, rain or windy conditions (even HVAC systems indoors) must be considered. Users should follow the ISO 13154 standard for proper implementation of medical-use cameras. Another consideration is the emissivity of an object itself, which is the rate at which infrared energy is emitted by an object. Allowing for these by utilizing settings within the camera body will help to mitigate error.

Why ICI

Infrared cameras, and the unique view of the world they offer, are growing in popularity in a number of industries worldwide. Understanding the proper use of these incredible tools is just as important as understanding the technology itself.

At Infrared Cameras Inc, we help connect customers with the proper tools for their thermal imaging needs and offer calibration services to help make adjustments for some of the factors mentioned above. Additionally, our sister company Infrared Training Institute offers a series of courses to inform and equip thermographers.

To learn more about implementing infrared cameras into your business, or for professional tools and tips, contact us or check out an upcoming ITI training course.

When it comes to many illnesses, including COVID-19, an elevated temperature is often the first indicator that something is wrong. While a medical thermometer is traditionally used to confirm elevated body temperature, there are scenarios in which their use is simply not practical. When it comes to large crowds and a need for quick detection with limited physical contact, infrared cameras are the optimal tool.

Can a Thermal Camera Detect Illness or Coronavirus?

While these instruments offer significant benefits in public temperature screenings, thermal cameras are not diagnostic tools. They cannot confirm internal temperature — they measure surface temperature.

They can, however, serve as a first line of defense. In conjunction with diagnostic measures, they can quickly identify individuals with elevated skin temperatures that might be the result of an illness.

Thermal cameras measure invisible heat radiating from the surface of an object. The information from each pixel of the lens is then processed to express its corresponding temperature and assigned color. The image produced makes it possible to see a detailed and accurate visual depiction of the surface temperature of the object.

It is important to note that not all thermal cameras are appropriate for medical settings — some are best suited for industrial, agricultural, or electrical uses.

Top 5 Benefits of Infrared Temperature Screening

When used appropriately, there are numerous benefits for infrared technology to detect elevated body temperature. Understanding the technology and environmental conditions that affect reading is critical. With proper training, users can conduct safe, fast, and accurate temperature screenings.

1. Check Temperature from a Safe Social Distance

One timely advantage of infrared temperature checkers is that they can accommodate social distancing requirements. While medical thermometers require close proximity, infrared temperature screening requires no person-to-person contact. Cameras mounted on metal detectors or handheld devices can be held at a safe distance and sound an alarm when it detects an elevated temperature. As everyone heads back to work and public life, infrared technology can make that transition safe and secure.

2. Keep the Masses Moving

In the wake of COVID-19, travel bans left large crowds of people waiting in airports to complete health screenings. As lines grew longer and delays began, the risk of infection and cross-contamination grew. The U.S. does not currently utilize infrared technology for health and temperature screening measures in airports. However, the ability to detect elevated skin temperatures has proven to keep things moving for the cruise industry, airports, businesses, and schools around the globe. Readings are completed in a matter of seconds, quickly identifying those who might need further screening.

3. Get Accurate Results

When used properly, infrared cameras detect temperature with a high level of accuracy. This means factoring in the camera’s specifications for distance in measuring, inputting conditions into the camera itself, and considering the emissivity of the object. ICI has devices with .1 to .2 ℃ accuracy, as well as some fixed and handheld systems coming accurate to .3 ℃, .5 ℃ and .8 ℃ accuracy. Our Infrared Training Institute also makes training available, to help ensure that users understand these devices and learn how to use them properly.

4. Provide a Passive Precaution

Another benefit of using infrared cameras for temperature screening is that it is “passive,” meaning the instruments do not emit radiation. Infrared cameras are non-invasive in that they measure only temperature radiating from the surface of the body, at the skin. This makes for a low stress and safe encounter for those being screened.

5. Promote a Sense of Safety

Though infrared cameras do have limitations, they provide a level of comfort for at-risk populations, employees, and travelers. Precautions implemented in public places serve as a comfort to those who are well, as well as a deterrent for those who are ill. Seeing these measures in place may prevent those feeling ill from traveling, and opt to stay home instead.

The Best Thermal Cameras to Check for Elevated Skin Temperature

ICI sells a number of infrared temperature measurement devices and one software program for adjunctive medical use. The most accurate cameras for thermal imaging body temperature are the FM 640+ and FMX 640, always coupled with a temperature reference device. These cameras can scan large groups of people and raise an alarm at an elevated temperature using an AI algorithm. Using the temperature reference device alongside provides enhanced accuracy. IR Flash Software is also utilized to provide visualization and data reporting of the total number of individuals scanned and maintain a record of all alarm events.

As stay-at-home orders lift and the public gets back to work, school, and travel, implementing infrared temperature screening will prove advantageous as a quick, safe, and accurate precaution. Detecting surface body temperature via infrared cameras can be customized to fit your company’s needs. For more information about products and training, contact ICI today.

Thermal imaging is all over the news, especially regarding using thermal imaging cameras for temperature screening in people.  As businesses, social venues, event and travel spaces reopen, they are beginning to screen the public for fever.

What is temperature screening and how is it different from using thermal imaging as a tool for medical screening?  Read more to understand this fascinating technology…..

Many people got their first look at thermal imaging in 1987, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was tracked by an alien using thermal vision in the movie Predator. There is a misconception that the beautiful colors in a thermal image are what the camera records – however this is not the case. Thermal cameras record infrared emissions and store the data as a temperature point in every pixel.  The computer software turns this data into a colorful representation of all the temperature points collected, allowing one to better understand the subject.

In the case of medical thermal imaging, the data collected tells you a lot about a patient.  Comparison of the differences in temperatures across symmetrical areas of the body identifies abnormalities that require further investigation.  This makes medical thermal imaging a valuable screening tool.

Thermal imaging devices are used for all kinds of applications where quick identification of temperature change is helpful.   We see thermography used in industry, outer space, the military and even by your local HVAC guy.  Over the years, medical thermal imaging has evolved to be quite specific.  The devices in place for scanning living beings have defined specifications necessary to provide the detail needed for evaluating health. For example, medical thermal imaging equipment requires high resolution (recommended 640×480), and precision (+/- 0.05⁰C sensitivity). Medical-specific thermal imaging cameras are also programmed to provide detail within the normal temperature range of a living being (20-45⁰C).   The American Academy of Thermology has detailed specifications for clinical use of thermal imaging in veterinary and human medicine.

In veterinary medicine, we use medical thermal imaging (termed “thermology”) to identify areas of thermal asymmetry, which helps us identify areas that may contain disease.  Normal living beings have thermal symmetry. Lack of thermal symmetry is abnormal. For example, temperature imbalance between the right and left foot of the same patient is abnormal.

Medical thermology is not expressly interested in the actual ‘real-time’ temperature of the region; instead, the tool is used to identify and establish where there are areas of high or low temperatures that signal a need for further evaluation.  For example, a left foot that images much colder than the right foot (termed hypothermia) may indicate an issue with decreased circulation, nerve impingement, or muscle atrophy.  A right shoulder imaging much hotter than the left shoulder (termed hyperthermia), may indicate inflammation, increased blood flow or muscle strain.  The imaging software assigns colors to the pixels of temperature data, producing a visual image for interpretation.

Temperature screening thermography uses the same medical-grade thermal devices with the same detailed specifications required for evaluation of living beings. The precision is critical, as temperature screening requires equipment that is so specific it can identify temperature elevations with an accuracy +/- 0.05⁰C.

Temperature screening software uses facial recognition to calculate an accurate body temperature from the medial canthus of the eye, which is proven to be the most accurate superficial point for evaluating internal body temperature.

The best part about using thermography for temperature screening is that the device measures temperatures from 6 feet away, allowing for safe, non-contact use.  The system can be programmed to ‘flag’ any elevated temperature and the person then undergoes a secondary screening protocol.

Media has often misrepresented temperature screening in articles and news blurbs to be something easily accomplished using hand-held infrared thermometers available cheaply in your neighborhood Home Depot®.  This is simply not the case!  Just like medical thermology units, temperature screening thermography needs to be accurate and repeatable – public health demands precision when attempting mass screening of individuals for fever.

Thankfully, the USA FDA developed detailed guidelines for proper implementation of temperature screening devices and only systems that meet ISO guidelines, use a black body for constant environmental calibration, and are FDA approved, should be utilized for this purpose.  Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCIT), such as hand-held thermometers aimed at your forehead, do not comply and are not accurate enough.

In South Korea, temperature screening via infrared thermography is used for all arrivals in airports, ports and border crossings since 2003.  This technology has significantly decreased the spread of infectious disease, and along with secondary confirmation protocols, has allowed South Korea to protect the safety and welfare of its citizens. It is conceivable that the USA and other countries will permanently implement this technology in all public places, allowing for improvement in public safety, more rapid response to disease threats, and prevention of the shutdown of commerce and travel.

These separate applications of thermography – public temperature screening and medical thermal screening, stand together to provide unlimited potential for insuring our well-being.

Isn’t it great to see technology help our future?

Because of COVID-19, the world is now much more familiar with the benefits of infrared technology and their usefulness in screening body temperatures. Take a look at how Google searches for infrared thermometers skyrocketed in mid-March.    

More and more people are opting for infrared thermometers because of their quick and precise temperature readings without requiring physical contact. With so many first-time owners of these no touch infrared thermometer devices, it’s important to understand how this technology works and the best way to use it.    

Infrared Thermometers for Measuring Skin Temperature    

Traditional mercury or digital thermometers are used by placing the instrument inside an object — most commonly, in your mouth under your tongue. Infrared thermometers, on the other hand, allow temperature to be measured without contacting the object (or your body) at all. When triggered, light bounces off the surface of the object and detects radiation emitted from the object. The thermometer then infers the temperature based on that electrical emission with impressive accuracy. For example, ICI’s non-contact thermometer has an accuracy of ± 0.3 °C / ± 0.5 °F. Depending on external circumstances, the thermometer can be as accurate as ± 0.2 °C / ± 0.4 °F.    

It is important to note the distinction that these thermometers are measuring skin or surface temperature and not internal temperature. A high surface temperature could be caused by a fever, or it could be caused by sitting outside on a hot day. Think about the difference in internal versus surface temperature when cooking. Your steak might have a very high surface temperature from its direct contact on the grill, but its internal temperature may still be low and nearly raw.    

How Does an Infrared Thermometer Work?    

Liquid thermometers, commonly containing mercury, provide a readout when the liquid expands in response to heat. An RTD digital thermometer contains a sensor that computes temperature change. What distinguishes the IR thermometer is that it focuses infrared light at an object to detect and measure energy or radiation coming from its surface. The detector then translates the amount of electricity generated into a temperature reading.    

How to Use an Infrared Forehead Thermometer    

The process of obtaining an accurate measurement using an IR thermometer is simple, but proper usage is critical for obtaining the best results. For instance, where one points the no touch infrared thermometer matters. When measuring body temperature, the warmest part of the human body is actually located in the inside portion of the eye, and not on the forehead as many commonly believe. This is where you should point for the best infrared thermometer accuracy. Fun fact: This is the most accurate location due to a vein that runs directly from the heart’s aorta to the inner corner of the eye.    

To safely take temperature in the inner canthus, follow these steps:

• The patient should be steady and not moving around.
• The patient’s eyes should close while the physician lines up the laster.
• Physician turns off the laser.
• Patient reopens his or her eyes.
• Physician takes the temperature.

Remember that these steps will need to be modified for those who are visually impaired or deaf.

Another consideration is that these infrared body thermometer instruments are meant to be used in close proximity. Reading the product guide to determine the ideal distance from the object is as important as the aim of the instrument. Distance to spot ratio differs among each device and means that calculated positioning is required in order to gain an accurate reading of the target area. Too much area outside of the desired target will affect the accuracy of the reading. For reference, ICI’s infrared thermometer requires the person screening to stand between 5-15 centimeters away from the target.    

ICI’s Best Infrared Thermometer    

Infrared Cameras Inc.’s HotSpot Non Contact Infrared Thermometer is a digital infrared thermometer that provides accurate and stable body temperature readings and has been deemed safe and effective. This portable powerhouse fits in a lab coat and has a data logger that allows it to store up to 32 readings and can be set to sound an alarm upon reading a specific temperature range.    

Infrared technology, whether in the form of thermal cameras or thermometers, is an extremely efficient, safe, and helpful tool for measuring skin temperatures. While the advantages of IR thermometers make the technology very appealing, it is important to keep in mind that these tools are most effective in the hands of those armed with proper information and training. Contact us for more information about finding the perfect infrared products and technology for your needs as well as training and educational opportunities.

The Telegraph quoted ICI founder Gary Strahan regarding what the post-coronavirus future might look like in terms of temperature screenings. See an excerpt of the article here:    

Gary Strahan, founder of Infrared Cameras in Texas, has been working 4am until 10pm to get orders to the flurry of new customers.    

“Every corporation has bought hundreds of cameras from us,” he says. Strahan says Infrared Cameras were putting cameras on robots in Chinese hospitals before “people in the US, in England” had any idea of how big a threat Covid-19 was. He has experienced surges in demand just a few times before: when Ebola and H1N1 struck.  

Business may be booming, but Strahan wishes the “horrendous” situation would go away. Unfortunately, that would be wishful thinking.    

“I believe you are going to see infrared cameras become as common as CCTV,” he says.    

READ MORE ON THE TELEGRAPH >>

BEAUMONT, Texas, March 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infrared Cameras Inc, a locally owned Texas company, is working to install their infrared cameras on metal detectors to allow quick skin temperature screenings in real-time. When placed on metal detectors in highly trafficked areas, these cameras can immediately detect if an individual has an elevated skin temperature. This technology is speedy, accurate, and non-invasive.

Click here for full article.

BEAUMONT, Texas, March 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, many businesses are turning to technologies such as infrared thermography to provide detection and prevention solutions. These tools are effective, but Gary Strahan, CEO of Infrared Cameras Inc, stresses that learning to properly use this equipment is critical.

Click here for full article.

The Beaumont Enterprise interviewed ICI CEO and founder Gary Strahan about infrared technology and the role it can play in the fight against coronavirus. Read an excerpt here:

A local company’s advanced infrared cameras and basic thermometers are being used to help limit the spread the COVID-19 coronavirus strain in China. The company has experience with increased demand during global outbreaks, but its founder and CEO sees change on the horizon.

Gary Strahan, CEO of the Beaumont-based Infrared Cameras Inc., has been working with and on infrared technology since his days as a welder in the U.S. Navy. Once in his civilian life, he started working as a salesman for companies like FLIR and was present for the consolidation of some of the early innovators in the field before striking out on his own in his hometown.

Since founding his company in the late 1990s, Strahan and his team of camera makers and programmers have been developing systems used in industries including aerospace, oil and gas, and medicine.

His company has been tapped before to provide equipment in the SARs epidemic, H1N1 breakout and — mostly recently — the 2014 Ebola pandemic in Africa, but he sees the latest virus making headlines as something different.

“We’ve never seen something like this impact the modern global market in the way coronavirus will,” Strahan said. “It’s going to change the way we live, in my opinion, and trying to catch it early is my goal.”

The full Press Release on Beaumont Infrared Pioneer Sees Tech as Buffer for Coronavirus can be found here.

BEAUMONT, Texas, March 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, many businesses are turning to technologies such as infrared thermography to provide detection and prevention solutions. These tools are effective, but Gary Strahan, CEO of Infrared Cameras Inc, stresses that learning to properly use this equipment is critical.

Click here for full article.

BEAUMONT, Texas, March 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --   A Texas company is quickly becoming a high demand supplier of infrared products worldwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Infrared Cameras Inc., CEO Gary Strahan has been working around the clock since January, manufacturing and preparing thousands of infrared devices to be sent around the globe to help detect and decrease the spread of the illness.

Infrared technology from Beaumont, Texas in high demand

ICI has helped with viral outbreaks before — their products were used to help with the SARs, H1N1, and the 2014 Ebola pandemic in Africa. Infrared thermography detects elevated surface temperatures, including on the human body. "Every pixel in these cameras is a non-contact thermometer," Strahan said. In mass fever screenings, infrared cameras have been used to scan body temperatures, which lead individuals to further testing for fevers.

Click here to view the entire article

Your health and safety is a high priority. ICI is in compliance with CDC regulations and safety procedures.
Until further notice, we are open for business as usual. We continue to provide the most accurate medical grade cameras.

Educating the public on the role of infrared cameras in deterring the spread of the coronavirus is our top priority. Infrared camera buyers need to seek training and familiarize themselves with ISO/TR 13154 standards. These regulations provide guidelines for the deployment, implementation and operation of an infrared device intended for non-invasive skin temperature screening of individuals under indoor environmental conditions. Educate employees who use devices on infrared system operations and standards to prevent the spread of infections.

Cleanliness is also important. The CDC recommends the following methods:

• Wash your hands;
• Don’t touch your face;
• Stay home when you are sick;
• Refrain from excessive contact;
• Care for open wounds;
• Stay hydrated, and
• Disinfect surfaces.

As an initial effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19 ICI donated 500 point radiometers to local and foreign authorities.

In house efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus include employee skin temperature screening,   UV sterilization before shipping, and stringent cleaning protocols.

ICI believes that education and constant vigilance is the best path to success.

Southeast Texas is taking center stage in the fight against the coronavirus as a Beaumont company's infrared cameras are now in high-demand.

Infrared Cameras Incorporated, which has been in around since 1995, makes the cameras which have varied uses including electrical thermography, process control as well as medical uses.

Recently sales for cameras for medical use have spiked in response to the coronavirus according to CEO Gary Strahan.

The sensitive scientific cameras can measure the surface temperatures of people and the readings can help doctors determine how to treat patients according to Strahan.

"We're building these cameras as fast as we can. We have millions of purchase orders right now in little Beaumont, Texas. We're building cameras to put them out around the world to stop the spread of this infectious disease," Strahan said.

The full press release can be found here.

BEAUMONT, Texas — Infrared Cameras Incorporated (ICI), manufactures P and S Series IR Cameras, which provide accurate skin surface temperature readings from the first 1/1000  ^th inch of epidermal layer; another product, IR Flash Software version 1.0, visualizes this data and allows for report building functionalities. These devices and software are intended for adjunct use with other clinical diagnostic procedures to help curb the spread of infectious diseases. They can be used in hospitals, sub-acute healthcare settings, and public areas, i.e. airports, schools, etc. Devices are made to order in the USA.

P and S-Series IR Cameras are paired with ICI’s award-winning IR Flash Software version 1.0. This combo offers unmatched image quality and state-of-the-art radiometric accuracy while streaming real-time radiometric data directly to any desktop, laptop, or embedded system. Users can integrate the system with touchscreen devices and touch enabled monitors. Windows and Linux software, drivers and SDKs are available for custom applications.

The full press release on ICI Steps Up to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus with Infrared Cameras and Report Building Software can be found here.

12News recently featured Infrared Cameras Inc about the company’s efforts to slow down the spread of coronavirus. Read a highlight here:    

Southeast Texas is taking center stage in the fight against the coronavirus as a Beaumont company’s infrared cameras are now in high-demand.    

Infrared Cameras Incorporated, which has been in around since 1995, makes the cameras which have varied uses including electrical thermography, process control as well as medical uses.   

Recently sales for cameras for medical use have spiked in response to the coronavirus according to CEO Gary Strahan.    

The sensitive scientific cameras can measure the surface temperatures of people and the readings can help doctors determine how to treat patients according to Strahan.    

“We’re building these cameras as fast as we can. We have millions of purchase orders right now in little Beaumont, Texas. We’re building cameras to put them out around the world to stop the spread of this infectious disease,” Strahan said.

The full press release can be found here.

BEAUMONT, Texas, March 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infrared Cameras Incorporated (ICI), a long-time player in the thermal and infrared camera industry, is releasing the 3rd generation of its integrated long wave infrared camera and tablet system, the IR-Pad 640P. The all-in-one system allows for complete inspection and reporting using a single device. This versatility along with its extreme light weight makes the IR-Pad 640P the most innovative product of its kind. Devices are made to order in the USA.

Click here for full article.

The Dallas Business Journal wrote a feature about Infrared Cameras Inc.'s battle with coronavirus and efforts to fulfill the increased demand. Read the excerpt here, and check out the full article on the Journal's website.

A small Texas company is seeing a surge in demand as it helps the world in its fight against the coronavirus.

Beaumont's Infrared Cameras Inc. is providing gear that can help quickly identify people who might have fevers, giving countries a tool that can be paired with other tests to determine if someone has the coronavirus.

The company develops and manufactures the products– and the technology-powered gear is stirring interest from places such as Africa and Asia, according to Gary Strahan, CEO of the company.

Between Jan. 1 and this week, ICI has sold more than 1,000 systems compared to an average of around 100 a month as demand climbs, he said.

“It’s gone through the roof,” Strahan said. “We’ve had explosive growth.”

READ MORE ON DALLAS BUSINESS JOURNAL >>

Forbes interviewed CEO Gary Strahan about ICI's infrared cameras for medical use. Click here to read an excerpt of the article.

Infrared Cameras Inc., a small private company in Beaumont, Texas, sells two high-temperature systems that are priced at $5,000 and $10,000. They require people to stand still facing the camera, with a reference object in the field of view called a “blackbody” that has a known level of infrared emissions.

Founder Gary Strahan says he’s ramping up staffing and production after receiving an order for 230 systems from an individual customer two weeks ago and quoting prices to thousands of prospective buyers. They include a cruise ship operator, a private girls high school in Hong Kong and a manufacturer in China looking to add an infrared camera to a robot so that humans wouldn’t have to be exposed to someone suspected of having an illness.

Strahan says some unscrupulous distributors are taking advantage of the high demand to sell thermal cameras designed for industrial use with a wide accuracy range of plus or minus 2 degrees Centigrade. “There are a lot of schleppers out there trying to make a buck on a pandemic.”

READ MORE ON FORBES >>

Forbes interviewed CEO Gary Strahan about ICI’s infrared cameras for medical use. Continue reading an excerpt of the article:

Infrared Cameras Inc., a small private company in Beaumont, Texas, sells two high-temperature systems that are priced at $5,000 and $10,000. They require people to stand still facing the camera, with a reference object in the field of view called a “blackbody” that has a known level of infrared emissions.

Founder Gary Strahan says he’s ramping up staffing and production after receiving an order for 230 systems from an individual customer two weeks ago and quoting prices to thousands of prospective buyers. They include a cruise ship operator, a private girls high school in Hong Kong and a manufacturer in China looking to add an infrared camera to a robot so that humans wouldn’t have to be exposed to someone suspected of having an illness.

Strahan says some unscrupulous distributors are taking advantage of the high demand to sell thermal cameras designed for industrial use with a wide accuracy range of plus or minus 2 degrees Centigrade. “There are a lot of schleppers out there trying to make a buck on a pandemic.”

READ MORE ON FORBES >>

The Dallas Business Journal wrote a feature about Infrared Cameras Inc.’s battle with coronavirus and efforts to fulfill the increased demand. Read the excerpt here, and check out the full article on the Journal’s website.

A small Texas company is seeing a surge in demand as it helps the world in its fight against the coronavirus.

Beaumont’s Infrared Cameras Inc. is providing gear that can help quickly identify people who might have fevers, giving countries a tool that can be paired with other tests to determine if someone has the coronavirus.

The company develops and manufactures the products– and the technology-powered gear is stirring interest from places such as Africa and Asia, according to Gary Strahan, CEO of the company.

Between Jan. 1 and this week, ICI has sold more than 1,000 systems compared to an average of around 100 a month as demand climbs, he said.

“It’s gone through the roof,” Strahan said. “We’ve had explosive growth.”

READ MORE ON DALLAS BUSINESS JOURNAL >>

Infrared Cameras Inc CEO Gary Strahan was quoted in the New York Times discussing a spike in demand due to the coronavirus. Read the excerpt here:  

Thousands of miles from the heart of the outbreak, a small technology supplier in Beaumont, Texas, has also been feeling the crush of demand. The company, Infrared Cameras Inc, makes high-tech imaging equipment as well as infrared thermometers, which cost $25 apiece.    

In a normal month, the company sells about 100 infrared cameras, according to its chief executive, Gary Strahan. Since January, the company has sold more than 1,000, supplying schools, cruise ships, factories, offices, hospitals, and theaters in countries like China and South Korea.    

Mr. Strahan said he had been working every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. to keep up with the orders.    

“It’s the most overwhelming thing I’ve had to deal with in my life,” he said. “We’ve got people coming to us directly, saying: ‘Can you supply 1,000 cameras? Can you supply 2,000 cameras?’”  

The company’s cameras and thermometer guns have a margin of error of 0.1 to 0.2 degrees Celsius, according to Mr. Strahan, who has been selling infrared cameras since the 1990’s. But many products on the market are less reliable.    

Click here to read more on the New York Times.    

Click here to read more on Business Insider.

Clutter is counter-productive

Your hospital needs to be a well-oiled machine. Now is the time to take a look and get rid of what isn’t working. Donate old electronics and computers. Shred old documents and papers, box up what you need to save for the accountants, and get rid of the rest.  Evaluate your new-found space – is there room to create some warmth? You don’t need to invest in a major whole-hospital paint job – think about updating with a new accent wall color or adding some potted plants. To encourage ‘greening’, provide recycle bins for staff and visitors.

Examine your workflow

As you physically de-clutter, take the time to evaluate your hospital’s pulse.  Is your practice workflow making sense?  Do your clients have streamlined service from the time they enter the front door until they check-out, or is your practice a mess of anxiety, noise and confusion?  Is your animal health message clear and concise?  Take the time to sit where your clients sit, look at their view, and determine if there is a need for change.

Turn your eye towards learning something new

The winter veterinary conference season is winding down and you may have come home from VMX or WVC with a bunch of big ideas. In spring, continue your momentum, and laser-tune your focus into one particular area of interest for this year. Thinking about providing better pain management? Search for in-depth CE on non-pharma options for pain control. Make a promise to teach your veterinary technicians how to perform local and regional nerve blocks.

Spring is a chance to eye the future

Today’s pet owner expects the latest and greatest health technology to be available for their pets. Now is the time to take stock in your equipment. Be sure that you have upgraded your software and that all your diagnostic tools are working properly, so you have the best patient health information.

Have you considered adding a new diagnostic tool to your practice? Your in-house laboratory can provide fast and accurate hematology and blood chemistry results, potentially saving a patient’s life. The newer urine SediVUE® machine utilizes artificial intelligence and high-tech digital microscopy to analyze urine, giving you consistent and detailed results, far superior to traditional urinalysis. Digital thermal imaging can be a veterinarian’s best friend. Thermography uses a high-resolution infrared camera to provide exceptional visual detail. This detail can help diagnose inflammation, or lack of circulation, at its exact location in the animal’s body. Thermal imaging can enhance your exams, enable appropriate diagnostics, and involve your clients in all your recommendations.

BEAUMONT, Texas, Feb. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infrared Cameras Incorporated, a long-time player in the thermal and infrared camera industry, has just launched its series of fixed mounted Ethernet based cameras which can be used for process control, research and development, machine vision, medical research, security, and many other applications. The FMX 640 and FMX 320 cameras are sensitive, extremely accurate, and are Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) compliant. They are available for purchase today and are made to order in the USA.

Click here to view the full article.

Conventions, Trade Shows & Exhibitions for the Year 2020

It’s a brand new year and Infrared Cameras Inc is excited to attend a wide variety of conventions, trade shows, and exhibitions where they will be sharing their innovative infrared products. These events give you the chance to work with the finest thermal infrared cameras on the market and receive a hands-on, one-on-one experience with the specialists of Infrared Cameras Inc.

At each event, Infrared Cameras Inc will be showcasing their specialized infrared cameras and ready to give you an up-close and personal experience with products designed for optical gas imaging, electrical inspections, research & development products, industrial flare monitoring, water & waste management, and much more. Each product can also be custom designed and tailored in various ways to make a truly one-of-a-kind system to accomplish your task at hand.

See the wondrous ways Infrared Cameras Inc can make the work in your specific field safer, more productive, and lower your maintenance costs. Register to attend one of the many conventions by clicking on the links below or even contact us directly for a tour of our facility.

4C Health / Safety / Environmental Conference
February 19 -21, 2020
Hilton Austin | Austin, TX
Booth #408

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IEEE PES T&D Conference & Exposition
April 21 – 23, 2020
McCormick Place | Chicago, IL
Booth #4561

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OTC2020 – Offshore Trade Convention
May 4 – 7, 2020
NRG Stadium | Houston, TX
Booth #4972

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Downstream 2020
June 10 – 11, 2020
NRG Stadium | Houston, TX
Booth #K46

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Energy Drone and Robotics Coalition
June 10 – 11, 2020
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel
The Woodlands, TX
Booth #406

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InterDrone | The International Drone Conference & Exposition
August 18 – 20, 2020
Hyatt Regency | Dallas, TX

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AAT 2020 Annual Scientific Session
September 11 – 13, 2020
Emory Conference Center
Atlanta, GA

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RSNA 2020 | 106th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting
Nov 23 – Dec 4, 2020
McCormick Place | Chicago, IL

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