A global leader in temperature measurement technology based in Derbyshire has developed a new screening system which can detect a key Covid-19 symptom.

Ametek Land, based at Dronfield, near Chesterfield, has used its expertise to develop the Viralert 3, which it says can accurately detect elevated temperatures, a symptom of coronavirus.

The technology can be installed in buildings and, according to the firm, it has already attracted interest across a variety of sectors, including healthcare, commercial, education, transportation, manufacturing, and sports.

The system provides a solution for scanning visitors at entry points – and is already in use at Sheffield’s Hallamshire Tennis, Squash and Racquetball Club and a medical practice in Dronfield.

Produced by Ametek Land at its headquarters in Stubley Lane, Viralert 3 provides real-time infrared thermal imaging from a safe social distance, scanning for elevated temperatures that could indicate infection.

Designed to screen visitors at an entry point without slowing the flow of people, it scans temperatures without any person-to-person contact, a common mechanism in the transmission of disease.

According to Ametek Land, Viralert 3 is the first of its kind, providing a camera and a temperature-controlled reference source on a single mounting.

Using automatic face detection, it locates the best areas for temperature detection, taking a reading that is accurate to within 0.5 degrees Celsius then calculates core body temperature through a rapid test procedure of approximately two seconds.

Ametek Land has been developing high-accuracy infrared measurement instruments since 1947 and has been creating human body temperature screening systems since responding to the SARS outbreak of 2003.

Justin Smith, the firm’s divisional vice-president, said: “Viralert 3 can be easily installed into reception areas of buildings, which means that people can pass through without any lengthy queues forming.

“We’re pleased that we can help facilities to open, allowing people to get back to work, visit key facilities, and return to sport and leisure.

“Viralert 3 is a compact system, very easy to set up and use but more importantly, it is non-contact.

“Highly accurate readings mean that anyone with an elevated temperature will be identified before fully entering the building, thereby reducing the spread of infection.”

Dr Stuart Saunders, senior partner at Dronfield Medical Practice, where the technology has been installed, said: “We at Dronfield Medical Practice wanted to see how we could all work together to ‘stay alert’ by ensuring patients are seen appropriately, and by keeping all staff secure with the knowledge they are being looked after.

“The installation of the Viralert equipment has been a very effective way to achieve this.

“If a patient’s temperature is high, we can ask them to leave the premises, then arrange to see them safely without putting anyone at risk.”