0.05°C Thermal Sensitivity: Limits for Medical Use

A 0.05°C thermal-sensitivity figure does not establish ±0.05°C temperature-measurement accuracy or suitability for medical diagnosis. This page does not supply a model-specific test report or evidence of an authorized medical intended use for a Phonemax camera.

Ask what the number measures

If 0.05°C describes a temperature difference, it equals 50mK. Confirm whether the supplier means noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD), a displayed increment or measurement accuracy. These descriptions must not be used interchangeably.

FLIR explains NETD as a signal-to-noise measure of thermal sensitivity, distinct from accuracy. A claimed sensitivity value should be accompanied by its test conditions; it does not document a clinical outcome.

Separate the evidence needed for each claim

Keep clinical decisions outside this checklist

The FDA has warned that improperly used thermal imaging systems can produce inaccurate temperature readings. This article provides no diagnostic procedure. Do not use a sensitivity number or an ordinary thermal-phone image to make a medical diagnosis.

Questions before approving a purchase

• Which model, lens, firmware and application were evaluated?
• Does the report support the same metric stated in the quotation?
• Is the proposed medical use actually covered by the device documentation?
• Who in the purchasing organization will assess the technical and clinical evidence?

When evidence is missing, retain the requirement as unverified. A sharper-looking image does not fill a gap in accuracy or intended-use documentation. This is a specification-review guide, not a claim that Phonemax supplies a validated medical thermal camera.

Primary sources

FLIR: detector sensitivity and NETD; FDA: improper use of thermal imaging devices (2021 safety context).