What’s the difference between Medical and Industrial IR Thermometers?

Infrared thermometers are tools used to quickly measure the surface temperature of an object without touching it. There is a critical difference between industrial IR thermometers and Medical IR thermometers when the data from these devices contribute to decisions that affect humans. What’s more, you cannot use Medical and Industrial IR Thermometers interchangeably.  

About IR Thermometers

IR Thermometers (also known as non-contact and laser thermometers) are used to measure temperature from a distance. An Infrared thermometer measures both infrared radiation and the emissivity value of a surface.

The Infrared thermometer has a lens that focuses the infrared light and directs it through the thermometer to a detector known as a thermopile. Then, the thermopile converts the incoming Infrared radiation into an electrical signal that is displayed as units of temperature. While the process sounds (and is) complicated, it all happens in a matter of seconds.

The difference between Medical and Industrial IR Thermometers

For measuring temperatures in humans, you need an infrared thermometer gun that is designed for this use. Let us explain why;

Industrial/Environmental IR thermometers measure surface temperatures over an extensive temperature range to suit a multitude of industrial applications. Temperature measured in this category of thermometers can range from -60 to over 500°C. The extent of this range means there is a trade-off in measurement accuracy. Industrial/environmental IR thermometers have an error factor that averages around ±1 to 1.5°C, which is more than satisfactory for the majority of industrial/environmental applications.

In contrast, the output of Medical IR thermometers must be far more accurate, and the temperature range need only shoulder the expected bodily temperatures of a human. Medical IR thermometers have a range somewhere in the field of 32°C to 42.5°C, and you can expect a level of accuracy of ±0.1°C. Considering that the difference between well and unwell is only a couple of degrees, an Industrial thermometer is an inappropriate tool.

Conclusion

If you require accurate and safe measurements of human body temperature, then industrial/environmental purpose IR thermometers are not suitable. The IR Thermometers available at Instrument Choice are suited to Industrial and Environmental applications only.

For more information about Industrial and Environment IR Thermometers, contact us – we are experts in this field! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected]