Lombardy is still a region affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. Due to the pandemic, hospitals remain at over-capacity, with surgeries postponed and staff fatigued because of the workload. In addition to the critical situation, the Milanese capital is suffering from a blood shortage.
In recent months, the Ministry of Health has intervened with recommendations to prevent possible interruption or decrease in blood donations within the region. The aim was to improve processes at the donation centres in order to aid management and raise awareness of transfusion needs.
To ensure donors’ safety and to avoid crowding in the waiting rooms, regulating access and managing the flow became an important concern. AVIS Milano received a donation from MOBOTIX of a Thermal TR imaging camera, which has been installed in the room where donors are processed. This reduces risks and helps manage day-to-day operations.
The camerah is equipped with a radiometric thermal sensor, and can detect variations in temperature. Integrated into AVIS Milano’s existing system, it is programmed to detect any temperature rise above 37.5 degrees Celsius (as required by law to allow the donation), with an accuracy level of 0.3 degrees.
If a donor displays any change from this value, an audible alarm is triggered. Any donor with a potentially higher temperature is escorted to another location and informed of the reason for the refusal.
In respect of privacy, the system does not allow images to be viewed remotely. The medical staff receive a report that a person with a temperature above 37.5 degrees centigrade has appeared in the room.
‘Thanks to the contribution of MOBOTIX technology, we were able to identify persons potentially at risk of COVID-19 through the temperature symptom from the moment of entry, avoid contact with other donors present, and advise the individual on an immediate follow-up with their doctor,’ stated Sergio Casartelli, General Manager of AVIS Milan.