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Exergen TAT-5000S-RS232
Q: How does the temperature from a temporal
scanner relate to core temperature?
A:
Temporal artery temperature is considered
a core temperature because it has been
demonstrated as accurate as the temperature
measured by a pulmonary artery and esophageal
catheter, and as accurate as a rectal temperature
on a stable patient. Rule of thumb: Rectal
temperature is about 0.5°C (1°F) higher than an
oral temperature and 1°C (2°F) higher than an
axillary temperature. It will be easy to remember
if you think of core temperature as a rectal
temperature, and apply the same protocol you
would use for a rectal temperature.
If your thermometer is marked Arterial/Oral
and has a serial number beginning with “O”
(standard model start with “A”), it is programmed
to compute the normal average cooling effect
at the mouth, and automatically reduces the
higher arterial temperature by that amount.
This calibration allows the hospital to maintain
existing protocols for fever workups based
on oral temperature, and results in a reading
consistent with the 37°C (98.6°F) mean normal
oral temperature, in the range of 35.9 - 37.5°C
(96.6 - 99.5°F) you now see.
Q: What should I do if I get an abnormally
high or low reading, how do I confirm my
reading?
• Repeat the reading with the same Temporal
Scanner; a correct reading will be reproducible.
• Repeat the reading with another Temporal
Scanner. Two Temporal Scanners with the
same reading will confirm the reading.
• Sequential readings on the same patient in
rapid succession will cool the skin; it is best to
wait about 30 seconds for the skin to recover
from the cold probe.
Possible causes of abnormal readings.
Type of
Abnormal
Temperature
Possible
Cause
Helpful
Hint
Abnormally
Low Temperature
Dirty Lens
Clean lens of
scanner every two
weeks.
Releasing the
button before
finished measuring
Release the button
after finished
measuring.
Measuring when
an ice pack or wet
compress is on the
forehead
Remove ice pack
or wet compress,
wait 2 minutes,
and re-take
temperature.
Measuring a
completely
diaphoretic patient
Complete
diaphoresis
includes
diaphoresis of area
behind the ear
and suggests that
the temperature
is rapidly
dropping. Use an
alternative method
of temperature
measurement
in these cases
until the patient
is dry and the
temporal artery
measurement can
be repeated.
Improperly
scanning down the
side of the face
Scan straight
across forehead.
The temporal
artery is closest to
skin in that area.
Abnormally
High Temperature
Anything covering
the area to be
measured would
insulate and
prevent heat
from dissipating,
resulting in false
high readings.
Confirm
measurement site
has not recently
been in contact
with heat insulators
such as hats,
blankets, and hair.
Scan the area not
covered or wait
about 30 seconds
for the previously
covered area to
equilibrate to the
environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
