As healthcare professionals continue to navigate COVID-19, the emergence of a new variant serves as a stark reminder that infection control must remain a top priority. According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), global COVID-19 test positivity has surged to nearly 11%, a significant rise not seen since the summer of 2024. Adding to the challenge, a new variant, NB.1.8.1, now accounts for over 10% of sequenced cases, rapidly increasing from just 2.5% a month prior, are the COVID symptoms the same?
While vaccines and antiviral treatments have significantly reduced the severity of outcomes, and treat the COVID symptoms, the high transmissibility of these emerging variants means that early detection and prevention measures are more important than ever. In this environment, hospitals must evaluate and strengthen their frontline defences, starting with one of the most basic yet powerful clinical tools, thermometry.
Why Fever Screening Still Matters
Fever remains one of the most common and early symptoms of COVID-19. In fact, data from early in the pandemic indicated that nearly 88% of confirmed COVID-19 patients presented with fever. Even as the virus evolves, fever continues to be a key marker for infection, making temperature screening an essential part of early detection strategies in healthcare settings.
However, traditional thermometers – especially those requiring skin contact – pose their own set of risks. Repeated contact between patients and staff increases the potential for cross-contamination, particularly in busy clinical environments. This is where non-contact thermometry proves invaluable.
The Case for Non-Contact Thermometry
Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) offer a safer, faster, and more hygienic way to monitor patient temperatures. The FDA has recognised these benefits, noting that NCITs can help reduce the risk of spreading infections between individuals during the screening process. By eliminating the need for physical contact, NCITs reduce the number of touchpoints in clinical workflows, support infection prevention protocols, and minimise the need for frequent disinfection.
One standout example is TRITEMP™, a precision-engineered non-contact thermometer developed by TriMedika. Unlike consumer-grade infrared thermometers, TRITEMP is designed specifically for the demands of healthcare. It delivers fast, accurate readings without touching the patient, enhancing both safety and efficiency at the point of care.
Designed for Infection Control and reducing COVID Symptoms
TRITEMP is more than just a thermometer; it’s an infection control tool. By removing the need for probe covers and eliminating contact, TRITEMP significantly reduces the risk of cross-infection between patients. This aligns with the growing body of evidence and guidance that calls for a reduction in unnecessary physical contact within clinical settings to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Moreover, TRITEMP’s ease of use and quick read time make it ideal for high-throughput areas like emergency departments, triage zones, and inpatient wards. Its reliable performance allows healthcare workers to screen more patients in less time, without compromising on safety or accuracy.
Supporting Workflow Efficiency
Infection control should not come at the cost of workflow efficiency. TRITEMP supports both. With its intuitive design and rapid temperature readings, staff can integrate it seamlessly into daily routines. The device reduces the burden of disinfection protocols tied to contact-based thermometry and cuts down on consumable waste, such as disposable probe covers – a key consideration for environmentally-conscious healthcare systems.
As hospitals face growing pressure to do more with less, TRITEMP’s ability to streamline operations while supporting clinical accuracy and safety makes it a valuable addition to any infection control toolkit.
How TriMedika helps detect Covid Symptoms
At TriMedika, we understand that the challenges facing healthcare professionals are not static. That’s why we are committed to designing products that not only solve today’s problems but also anticipate tomorrow’s needs. The current rise in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of new variants like NB.1.8.1 underscore the importance of future-ready infection prevention strategies.
TRITEMP represents our vision of smart, sustainable, and safe healthcare innovation. It is built to meet the high standards of hospitals and healthcare systems worldwide, offering a non-invasive solution that enhances patient and clinician safety alike.
Looking Ahead
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed how we think about infection control. What began as an emergency response has now evolved into an ongoing responsibility. Hospitals must remain vigilant, adaptive, and proactive.
As new variants emerge and patient volumes fluctuate, non-contact thermometry should be considered a permanent fixture in infection control protocols. It offers a simple yet powerful way to detect illness early, reduce transmission, and protect healthcare workers on the frontlines.
How can you deal with the symptoms of COVID
Is your hospital ready for the next wave? With rising positivity rates and increasingly transmissible variants, the time to act is now. Tools like TRITEMP not only meet the moment – they set the standard for what comes next.
By embracing non-contact thermometry as part of a broader infection control strategy, hospitals can strengthen their defences, streamline workflows, and most importantly, safeguard the people who rely on them every day.
About TriMedika
TriMedika is an innovative medical technology company that designs and manufactures medical devices for hospitals worldwide. Our flagship product, TRITEMP™, is trusted by clinicians in over 20 countries and is helping redefine infection control, one temperature check at a time.
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