This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
Thermometer guns have been a crucial tool in detecting Covid-19 symptoms, but faulty readings have caused serious repercussions. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) attributes the issue to lack of calibration and poor user understanding.
Since the first Coronavirus case was reported in the country, thermometer guns have been used to detect one of the symptoms of Covid-19: body temperature. It is now a new normal to be stopped at the entrance of any building, sanitize, and get your temperature checked before access is granted.
However, there have been cases of discrepancies in results from these crucial devices that have caused serious repercussions. According to CS Kagwe, any staff member or reveler with a temperature above 37.5 degrees shall not be allowed entry into the premises, and the premises shall immediately notify the Ministry of Health.
But what causes these discrepancies? Dr. Henry Rotich, Director Metrology at KEBS, explains that the differences emanate from two basic reasons: lack of calibration and poor understanding from the user. Many people operating the thermometers do not have adequate training on the ways to handle the equipment, and some of those gadgets are not well calibrated and have not been approved by KEBS.
KEBS now plans to take a cue from other budding innovators who have seen an oasis in the Covid-19 desert. Many inventions such as ventilators and other mobile applications have been invented to ease the burden of the pandemic that is transforming to an endemic. KEBS plans to invent a mobile phone Application to measure temperature, which will help people check their levels of temperature comfortably and safely.
While high fever is associated with Coronavirus, the metrologist explains that it is not necessarily a reason for concern. This is because, a high fever could also be associated with some other illnesses. Alfred Obengo, the President of the National Nurses Association of Kenya, alludes to that statement.
37°C-38°C has been put by doctors as the acceptable normal human body temperature range. The temperature has been in existence for centuries in the medical industry. Body temperature has extensively been used as a key indicator of health.
