How to optimize the use of a Temporal Artery Thermometer?

The Temporal Artery Thermometer is a contact thermometer that measures the temperature of blood flowing through the temporal artery in its subcutaneous trajectory on the forehead. The process of capturing these temperature readings is very simple. However, there are always ways to optimize the use of a Temporal Artery Thermometer.

A series of video tutorials explaining how to use the Temporal Artery Thermometer are available on the Exergen website (https://www.exergen.com/professional-medical-products/temporal-artery-thermometer-videos). To take a temperature, the procedure is simple: sweeping the thermometer gently across the forehead from the midpoint to either side until the temple. The videos in this tutorial explain in great detail how to measure the temperature accurately.

Exergen’s extensive user research among doctors and nurses has led to a few recommendations that will help hospitals to make the most of our Temporal Artery Thermometer. Here is a quick overview:

Effect	Cause	Solution
Low and/or inconsistent readings	Lack of contact	Ensure sufficient contact with skin
Low and/or inconsistent readings	Incomplete contact	Ensure full circumferential  contact of the thermometer head with the skin
Low and/or inconsistent readings	Incomplete or inadequate sweep motion	Ensure a complete and non-excessive coverage of the recommended anatomical area
(Unexpected) low reading	Profuse diaphoresis	Consider additional/alternative anatomic readings (mastoid apophysis)
(Unexpected) low reading	Dust or biological matter accumulated on the lens	Clean the sense with an approved alcoholic solution and a cotton swab batom or cotton cloth

Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer is easy to use, and it is also able to provide a perfect reading in a very short time. A typical measurement takes just 1-2 seconds. Our recommendations help a doctor or nurse to even further improve the quality and speed of individual temperature readings.