Point-of-care infrared thermal imaging for differentiating venomous snakebites from non-venomous and dry bites.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Local envenomation following snakebites is accompanied by thermal changes, which could be visualized using infrared imaging. We explored whether infrared thermal imaging could be used to differentiate venomous snakebites from non-venomous and dry bites.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled adult patients with a history of snakebite in the past 24 hours presenting to the emergency of a teaching hospital in southern India. A standardized clinical evaluation for symptoms and signs of envenomation including 20-minute whole-blood clotting test and prothrombin time was performed to assess envenomation status. Infrared thermal imaging was done at enrolment, 6 hours, and 24 hours later using a smartphone-based device under ambient conditions. Processed infrared thermal image

SUBMITTER: Sabitha P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7924804 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature