Infrared thermometry of oral mucosa as a Non-Invasive Screening tool for anemia: a pilot study.

The study titled Infrared thermometry of oral mucosa as a Non-Invasive Screening tool for anemia is a pilot investigation aimed at evaluating whether measuring the temperature of the oral mucosa can accurately detect anemia. Currently, anemia is diagnosed through invasive and resource-intensive blood tests, while visual checks for mucosal pallor are often subjective and unreliable. This research utilizes infrared thermometry, a non-contact and radiation-free technology, to map surface temperature patterns that relate to blood perfusion and hemoglobin levels. The study is designed as a prospective cross-sectional observational study involving forty participants between the ages of 18 and 60, divided into anemic and non-anemic groups. Researchers will record temperature readings from three specific sites—the buccal, sublingual, and gingival mucosa—using a non-contact infrared thermometer. These readings will then be correlated with hemoglobin concentrations obtained through a standard complete blood count analysis. The investigators hypothesize that anemic individuals will exhibit lower oral temperatures due to reduced local blood perfusion. By comparing the diagnostic performance across the three mucosal sites, the study seeks to identify the most reliable anatomical location for anemia screening. If successful, this method could provide a rapid, low-cost, and accessible screening alternative for use in dental clinics and community health settings, facilitating earlier detection and referral for systemic disease.