Using their years of research in infrared imaging and medical diagnostics, Scientists from Politechnika Gdańska (ENG: Gdańsk University of Technology) have developed an apparatus that can effectively counteract the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Implemented at the entry of the Uniwersyteckie Centrum Kliniczne w Gdańsku (ENG: University Clinical Center in Gdańsk), the set-up includes a specialised-thermographic camera and a computer screen that displays the camera's infrared imaging. This remotely measures the body temperature of patients as they arrive in the building. In a conversation with trojmiasto.onet.pl, representatives of Gdańsk University stated that such a solution has never been implemented in Poland before.
The Infrared-Imaging 'station' at the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk. Photo by Krzysztof Krzempek / Politechnika Gdańska
Politechnika Gdańska spokesman Maciej Dzwonnik points out that the device is obviously unable to detect the coronavirus itself, but it will allow faster detection of people, as elevated temperature is one of the most telling symptoms of Coronavirus (Fever occurs in 94% of reported cases). The remote scanning allows people to be initially-assessed from a distance, and those suspected of infection can be directed to an isolation room on the ground floor of the building. Following a secondary assessment by a doctor, they can then be taken to the Pomorskiego Centrum Chorób Zakaźnych i Gruźlicy w Gdańsku (ENG: Pomeranian Center for Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis in Gdańsk) at ul. Smoluchowskiego 18 in Gdańsk Wrzeszcz.
Prof. Mariusz Kaczmarek from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics of the Gdańsk University of Technology, who for many years has been researching thermography methods in medical diagnostics and coordinated the installation of the position in the Gdańsk hospital, explained more to Politechnika Gdańska Website: "Each body radiates in the infrared range, and the intensity of this radiation is proportional to the temperature. The thermographic camera is calibrated and converts the radiation value to the corresponding temperature. That is why we are able to measure the temperature of patients without contact."
It would appear this station is working effectively and we are sure this will make a huge difference in containing Coronavirus if or when it hits the Tri-city! It is expected to working 'at full capacity' by March 16.
Comments