BRITAIN'S Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a formal warning about "unreliable infrared thermometers," with an increase in the number of dodgy items making their way onto the UK market.
The MHRA said it believes the COVID-19 pandemic had created a massive increase in demand for the products, with contactless infrared thermometers widely used to detect raised temperatures as a screening method for possible coronavirus infection.
Products marketed with claims that they can be used for a medical purpose are medical devices, and are therefore regulated by the MHRA.
"People in the UK are unknowingly buying poor quality infrared thermometers which do not meet the required standards of safety and performance," said MHRA Devices Division Director, Graeme Tunbridge.
He said customers in the UK should always look for a CE or UKCA mark on the packaging.
"In addition, people should be aware that temperature screening is not a reliable method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection," he said, noting that 12 months ago the MHRA had issued a warning to manufacturers and suppliers of thermal cameras cautioning them against making claims which directly relate to COVID-19 diagnosis.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 03 Aug 21
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 03 Aug 21
