In Photo: [left] Dr Wang Li appearing in Straits Times on the rigorous testing done for mass thermal scanners deployed for SARS and [right] National Conference on Thermal Imaging for Fever Screening in 2003

Amid the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pandemic, the importance of human temperature screening emerged as a pivotal strategy for containing the spread of infection. Recognising the urgency of the situation, NMC took proactive measures by embarking on an extensive evaluation of various thermometers widely employed for human temperature measurement. Their primary objective was to ascertain that the thermometers available in the market met the stringent criteria necessary for effective temperature screening during a pandemic of such magnitude.

Recognising the pressing necessity to assist government agencies and the general public in identifying and isolating individuals with elevated body temperatures in high-traffic areas like airports, seaports, and public buildings, NMC embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of more than 30 units of thermal imagers, approximately ten thermal imager models (about 75% of models available in the market worldwide) submitted for rigorous testing. 

Leveraging their expertise and the measurement techniques they had meticulously developed for this evaluation, NMC made significant contributions to the creation of Technical Reference (TR) 15. This crucial standard specified performance requirements and outlined rigorous test methods for characterizing thermal imagers specifically designed for human temperature screening purposes. In doing so, NMC played a pivotal role in not only enhancing public health safety during the SARS pandemic but also establishing essential industry standards for future public health crises.

A National Conference on "Thermal Imagers for Fever Screening - Selection, Usage and Testing" was organised in May 2003 for users, government agencies, suppliers, manufacturers and testing authorities. To educate the public at large, a series of press supplements on the selection of suitable thermometers and imagers, and their proper usage, were also published in the Straits Times, lianhezhaobao and Berita Harian in May 2003.

For the impactful contributions to the fight against SARS, the project team SPRINGing into Action, which included NMC, won the MTI Innovation Awards 2004, Gold Award (Team).