Validity of Wrist and Forehead Temperature in Temperature Screening in the General Population During the Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus: a prospective real-world study

Ge Chen; Jiarong Xie; Guangli Dai; Peijun Zheng; Xiaqing Hu; Hongpeng Lu; Lei Xu; Xueqin Chen; Xiaomin Chen

As a screening tool, it is quick for mass screening and allows a faster triage (7). However, we 61 need to consume a lot of disposable plastic covers when we use IRTT. It may increase the 62 financial burden in the widespread use of population screening. Furthermore, indirect 63 contacts with infected individuals may increase the risk of cross infection. NCIT meets the 64 clinical requirements for mass screening in terms of detection efficiency, safety and 65 cost-performance. Besides, it takes less time than IRTT. Forehead is one of the key targets of 66 thermography. However, forehead temperature is affected by physiological and 67 environmental conditions (8). It should be measured in a relatively temperature-controlled 68 environment. A previous study suggested to acclimate to the indoor temperature for at least 69 10 min for those who were exposed to the cold before taking body temperature readings (8). 70 However, it is not practical for mass screening in winter during the outbreak of COVID-19. 71