TEMPERATURE MEASURINg TIPS
►
Do not use the thermometer in an ear that shows signs of blood,
drainage, or injury, in the external auditory canal.
►
The ear must be free from all obstructions in order to take an
accurate measurement.
►
Normal Cerumen (ear wax) will not affect the reading accuracy,
unless it is compacted.
►
Tympanic thermometers should not be used on the ear of a patient
suffering from an ear infection such as Otitis Media, use the healthy ear
instead.
►
Always use the untreated ear if medication has previously been
applied to the ear canal.
►
For patients wearing hearing aids or plugs, remove the object
20 minutes prior to taking a temperature measurement.
►
Other factors may affect correct ear temperature measurements,
particularly when a patient has:
•
been lying on their side, please take the temperature from the
upper exposed ear.
•
If a patient has had their ears covered, been exposed to hot,
or cold temperatures, has recently ingested food or drink,
been in energetic exercise, swimming or bathing -
wait at least
20 minutes prior to taking a temperature measurement.
6
