Yorkshire-based firm's fever screening system could help contain spread of pandemic

The vIRalert 2 fixed thermal imaging system provides an accurate and remote surface measurement of body temperature, which automatically alerts the operator if there is cause for concern.

A spokesman for the Sheffield-based company said that the vIRalert 2 system provides accurate and reliable skin temperature measurement for screening at the point of entry into key facilities, including offices, factories, warehouses, schools, government buildings and any other places where infectious diseases can easily spread.

David Primhak, director of development and product management at AMETEK Land, said: “In a world where global travel means infections can pass through populations quickly, the ability to screen people for fever is a key tool in reducing the risk of disease spread.

He added: “vIRalert 2 can detect fever at point of entry quickly and remotely, in compliance with social distancing requirements, preventing the risk of infection being transmitted between the operator and members of the public.

“This is cutting- edge technology that could make a huge difference in protecting the population both now and in the future.”

Mr Primhak continued “Many thermal imagers are unable to achieve the accuracy required to detect a fever and therefore give false positive readings and low detection percentages – this means a higher chance of spreading the infection throughout the monitored area. vIRalert 2 provides accurate, traceable readings, giving mission critical operations the confidence to operate normally and safely.”

The company has been developing infrared temperature technology since 1947. AMETEK Land is a business unit of AMETEK, Inc, which is a major global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electro mechanical devices with annual sales of around $5bn.