Braun WelchAllyn PRO4000 User Manual

PRO 4000

ThermoScan®

Ear thermometer

Welch Allyn Technical Support:

USA [phone] or
[phone]
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Canada [phone]
China [phone]
European Call Center [phone]
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United Kingdom [phone]

www.welchallyn.com/support

English 5

Français 16

Español 28

REF 04000-200

Distributed by
Welch Allyn, Inc.
4341 State Street Road,
Skaneateles Falls, NY 13153
USA
www.welchallyn.com

In Canada Imported by
Welch Allyn Canada Ltd.
160 Matheson Blvd. East, Unit 2
Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1V4
Canada

Kaz USA, Inc.
250 Turnpike Road
Southborough, MA 01772, USA

This product is manufactured by Kaz USA, Inc.
under license to the ‘Braun’ trademark. ‘Braun’ is
a registered trademark of Braun GmbH, Kronberg,
Germany. ThermoScan is a registered trademark of
Kaz USA, Inc.

©2011 Kaz USA, Inc.

U.0040

06.06.11

0297

Use only

Braun certified

probe covers

for accurate

readings

If you take the temperature of another person, the

«ExacTemp» light can be of help. It ashes during the

measuring process as long as the probe is correctly
positioned, and lights up continuously when the
thermometer detects that an accurate reading has
been taken.

English

4.

How to use Braun ThermoScan

1.

To help to ensure accurate readings, make sure the
probe tip and lens are clean and a new, clean probe
cover is in place before each measurement.

2.

When the probe cover is in place, the thermometer
turns on automatically. Wait for the ready signal beep.

3.

Fit the probe snuggly into the ear canal, then push and
release the Start button.

If the probe has been tted correctly into the ear canal

during the complete measuring process, a long beep
will signal the end of the measuring process. You can be
assured to have taken an accurate temperature reading.
The thermometer detects that an accurate temperature
measurement has been taken.

Le témoin « ExacTemp » est destiné à la prise de
température d’une autre personne. Le témoin clignote
si la sonde est positionnée correctement pendant la
mesure et s’allume si la mesure est correcte.

Français

4.

Mode opératoire du thermomètre
Braun ThermoScan

1.

Toujours mettre une nouvelle protection de sonde,
propre, à chaque utilisation, pour garantir une lecture
précise.

2.

Le thermomètre se met en marche automatiquement
dès que l’on met en place la protection de sonde.
Attendez le bip sonore indiquant que le thermomètre
est prêt à l’emploi.

3.

Introduisez la sonde délicatement dans le conduit
auditif et appuyez sur la touche de lecture.

Si la sonde a été correctement placée dans le
conduit auditif pour la durée nécessaire à la mesure,
un bip sonore long conrme la n de la mesure.
Votre température a alors été mesurée précisément.

Le résultat apparaît sur l’afcheur.

Si la medición se realiza en otra persona, se
puede utilizar la luz «ExacTemp». La luz parpadea
si la sonda se ha introducido de forma adecuada
durante el proceso de medición y permanece
encendida si se ha realizado la medición
correctamente.

Español

4.

Cómo utilizar Braun ThermoScan

1.

Use siempre un protector de sonda nuevo y limpio en
cada medición para asegurar una lectura precisa.

2.

En el momento en que se coloca el protector de sonda,
el termómetro se conecta automática-mente. Espere a
que aparezca la señal de operatividad.

3.

Introduzca la sonda en el canal auditivo tanto como
sea posible y pulse el botón de inicio.

Si la sonda se ha colocado correctamente en el canal

auditivo, una señal acústica de larga duración conrma
el nal de la medición. En este momento puede estar

seguro de que ha medido su temperatura con precisión.
El resultado aparece en la pantalla.

English/French/Spanish

Replacement parts list

Thermometers

US/Canada

04000-200 Braun ThermoScan® PRO 4000 ear thermometer
04000-300 Braun ThermoScan PRO 4000 ear thermometer, with security base station*
04000-400 Braun ThermoScan PRO 4000 ear thermometer, roll stand

EMEA

04000-600 Braun ThermoScan PRO 4000 ear thermometer
04000-500 Braun ThermoScan PRO 4000 ear thermometer, with security base station

Asia Pacific/Latin America

04000-200 Braun ThermoScan PRO 4000 ear thermometer

UK

04000-600 Braun ThermoScan PRO 4000 ear thermometer

Accessories and probe covers

US/Canada

05075-800 Braun ThermoScan disposable probe covers (case of 800 probe covers)
05075-005 Braun ThermoScan disposable probe covers (case of 5,000 probe covers)
24001-1000 PRO 4000 base station and probe cover refill dispenser*
24001-0000 PRO 4000 base station with rolling stand*
53020-0000 Rechargeable battery pack for PRO 4000
80199-0000 Replacement power cord for PRO 4000 base station (North America)
01802-110 Welch Allyn/Braun 9600 plus calibration tester

EMEA

04000-800 Braun ThermoScan disposable probe covers (case of 800 probe covers)
04000-700 PRO 4000 base station and probe cover refill dispenser
53020-0000 Rechargeable battery pack for PRO 4000
80199-0001 Replacement power cord for PRO 4000 base station (MultiNational)
01802-110 Welch Allyn/Braun 9600 plus calibration tester

Asia Pacific/Latin America

05075-800 Braun ThermoScan disposable probe covers (case of 800 probe covers)
05075-005 Braun ThermoScan disposable probe covers (case of 5,000 probe covers)
01802-110 Welch Allyn/Braun 9600 plus calibration tester

UK

04000-800 Braun ThermoScan disposable probe covers (case of 800 probe covers)
01802-110 Welch Allyn/Braun 9600 plus calibration tester

* Available in the US only

Patent numbers

US 6,022,140; 6,149,298; 6,203,194; 6,626,835; 6,694,174; 7,014,358; D460,006
AU 2002250974
CH 0 966 660; 1 664 693
CN ZL96198273.X, ZL99803219.8; ZL00804341.8; ZL00124323.3; ZL01337258.0; ZL02805125.4
DE 40101997; 50011321; 50015741; 59811385; 502004007077
ES 0 966 660; 1 664 693
FR 0 966 660; 1 081 475; 1 166 067; 1 664 693
GB 0 966 660; 1 081 475; 1 166 067; 1 664 693; 2 104 340
HK 1024053; 1042550; 1062043
JP 4052945; 1144805
KR 10-0626189; 10-0628283; 10-0883150; 10-0507716
NL 1 166 067; 1 664 693
TR 1 664 693
TW NI-112501; NI-147458; NI-159809; ND-084456;

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Product description

Axillary1: 94.5°F – 99.1°F 34.7°C – 37.3°C

Oral

1

: 95.9°F – 99.5°F 35.5°C – 37.5°C

Rectal

1

: 97.9°F – 100.4°F 36.6°C – 38.0°C

ThermoScan

2

: 96.4°F – 100.4°F 35.8°C – 38.0°C

0 – 2 years 97.5°F – 100.4°F 36.4°C – 38.0°C

3 – 10 years 97.0°F – 100.0°F 36.1°C – 37.8°C

11 – 65 years 96.6°F – 99.7°F 35.9°C – 37.6°C

> 65 years 96.4°F – 99.5°F 35.8°C – 37.5°C

Body temperature

Normal body temperature is a range. The following table shows that ranges of
normal also vary by site. Therefore, readings from different sites, even if taken
at the same time, should not be directly com-pared.

A person’s normal temperature range tends to decrease with age.
The following table shows normal ThermoScan ranges by age.

Normal ThermoScan temperature ranges2:

The range of normal varies from person to person and can be inuenced
by many factors such as time of day, level of activity, medications
and gender.

1. Chamberlain, J.M., Terndrup, T.E., New Light on Ear Thermometer Readings, Contemporary Pediatrics,
March 1994.

2. Chamberlain, J.M., et al., Determination of Normal Ear Temperature with an Infrared

Emission Detection Thermometer,

Annals of Emergency Medicine, January 1995.

English

Température axillaire1: 94,5°F – 99,1°F 34,7°C – 37,3°C

Température orale

1

: 95,9°F – 99,5°F 35,5°C – 37,5°C

Température rectale

1

: 97,9°F – 100,4°F 36,6°C – 38,0°C

ThermoScan

2

: 96,4°F – 100,4°F 35,8°C – 38,0°C

0 – 2 ans 97,5°F – 100,4°F 36,4°C – 38,0°C

3 – 10 ans 97,0°F – 100,0°F 36,1°C – 37,8°C

11 – 65 ans 96,6°F – 99,7°F 35,9°C – 37,6°C

> 65 ans 96,4°F – 99,5°F 35,8°C – 37,5°C

Température du corps

La température normale du corps correspond à une fourchette de valeurs.
Le tableau ci-dessous indique que cette fourchette varie en fonction de la
partie du corps où la température est prise. C’est pourquoi il ne faut pas
établir de comparaison directe entre les températures prises en des endroits
différents même si elles sont prises au même moment.

La fourchette normale de température d’un individu tend également à décroître
avec l’âge. Le tableau suivant indique les fourchettes nor-males de température
avec ThermoScan en fonction de l’âge.

Fourchettes normales par âge avec ThermoScan2:

La fourchette des températures normales varie d’une personne à l’autre et

peut être inuencée par de nombreux facteurs tels qu’un moment précis de la

journée, le type d’activité, la prise de médica-ments et le sexe de l’individu.

1. Chamberlain, J.M., Terndrup, T.E., New Light on Ear Thermometer Readings, Contemporary Pediatrics,
March 1994.

2. Chamberlain, J.M., et al., Determination of Normal Ear Temperature with an Infrared

Emission Detection Thermometer,

Annals of Emergency Medicine, January 1995.

Français

Axilar1: 94,5°F – 99,1°F 34,7°C – 37,3°C

Oral1: 95,9°F – 99,5°F 35,5°C – 37,5°C

Rectal1: 97,9°F – 100,4°F 36,6°C – 38,0°C

ThermoScan2: 96,4°F – 100,4°F 35,8°C – 38,0°C

0 – 2 años 97,5°F – 100,4°F 36,4°C – 38,0°C

3 – 10 años 97,0°F – 100,0°F 36,1°C – 37,8°C

11 – 65 años 96,6°F – 99,7°F 35,9°C – 37,6°C

> 65 años 96,4°F – 99,5°F 35,8°C – 37,5°C

La temperatura corporal

La temperatura normal del cuerpo se reeja en un rango de temperatura.

La siguiente tabla muestra que este rango normal de temperatura también
varía según la parte del cuerpo. En consecuencia, las mediciones en
diferentes partes, incluso si son tomadas al mismo tiempo, no deben com­pararse directamente.

Igualmente, el rango normal de temperatura de una persona tiende a decrecer
con la edad. La siguiente tabla muestra los rangos normales ThermoScan para
cada edad.

Rangos normales ThermoScan según la edad2:

El rango de temperatura normal varía de una persona a otra, y puede estar
inuido por muchos factores como el momento del día, el nivel de actividad,
la medicación y el sexo.

1. Chamberlain, J.M., Terndrup, T.E., New Light on Ear Thermometer Readings, Contemporary Pediatrics,
March 1994.

2. Chamberlain, J.M., et al., Determination of Normal Ear Temperature with an Infrared

Emission Detection Thermometer,

Annals of Emergency Medicine, January 1995.

Español

English

Braun ThermoScan

The Braun ThermoScan thermometer has been carefully developed for accurate,
safe and fast human body temperature measurements in the ear. The shape of
the thermometer probe prevents it from being inserted too far into the ear canal
which could perforate the tympanic membrane.

However, as with any thermometer, proper technique is critical to
obtaining accurate temperatures. Therefore, please read all
instructions carefully and thoroughly before using this product.

Important

• Do not expose the thermometer to temperature extremes (below –4 ºF / – 20 ºC
or over 122 ºF / 50 ºC) nor excessive humidity (> 95 % RH).

• The probe window must be kept clean, dry, and undamaged at all times to
ensure accurate measurements. To protect the probe window, always keep the

thermometer in the storage cover while transporting or when not in use.

• This thermometer must only be used with genuine Braun ThermoScan
probe covers.

• To avoid inaccurate measurements, always attach a new, clean probe cover for

each temperature measurement.

How does Braun ThermoScan work?

The Braun PRO 4000 technology reads the infrared energy emitted by the
tympanic membrane and surrounding tissues to determine the patient’s
temperature. To help ensure accurate temperature measurements, the sensor
itself is warmed to a temperature close to that of the human body. When the
Braun ThermoScan is placed in the ear, it continuously monitors the infrared
energy until a temperature equilibrium has been reached and an accurate

measurement can be taken. The thermometer displays a clinically accurate, oral

equivalent temperature that has been validated in clinical studies by comparing
IR measurements with the oral readings from afebrile and febrile patients of
various ages.

Why measure in the ear?

Clinical studies have shown that the ear is an excellent site for temperature
measurement because temperatures taken in the ear reect the body’s core

temperature

1

. Body temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus2, which

shares the same blood supply as the tympanic membrane

3

. Changes in core

body temperature are usually seen sooner at the tympanic membrane than at
other sites, such as the rectum, mouth or under the arm.

Advantages of taking temperatures at the ear versus traditional sites:

• Axillary temperature measurements reect skin temperature which may not

reliably indicate the internal body temperature.

• Rectal temperatures often lag signicantly behind internal body temperature

changes, especially at times of rapidly changing temperatures. Also, there is a

risk of cross contamination.

• Oral temperatures are often inuenced by eating, drinking, thermometer

placement, breathing through the mouth, or the inability of the person to
close their mouth completely.

1. Guyton A C, Textbook of medical physiology, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, p 919

2. Guyton A C, Textbook of medical physiology, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pp 754-5

3. Netter H F, Atlas of Human Anatomy, Novartis Medical Education, East Hanover, NJ, 1997, pp 63, 95

5

Normal ranges by site:

Axillary1: 94.5 – 99.1 °F 34.7 – 37.3 °C

Oral

1

: 95.9 – 99.5 °F 35.5 – 37.5 °C

Rectal

1

: 97.9 – 100.4 °F 36.6 – 38.0 °C

ThermoScan

2

: 96.4 – 100.4 °F 35.8 – 38.0 °C

Normal ThermoScan ranges by age2:

0 – 02 years 97.5 – 100.4 °F 36.4 – 38.0 °C
3 – 10 years 97.0 – 100.0 °F 36.1 – 37.8 °C
11 – 65 years 96.6 – 99.7 °F 35.9 – 37.6 °C
> 65 years 96.4 – 99.5 °F 35.8 – 37.5 °C

Body temperature

Normal body temperature is a range. The following table shows that ranges of

normal also vary by site. Therefore, readings from different sites, even if taken

at the same time, should not be directly compared.

• A person’s normal temperature range tends to decrease with age.
The following table shows normal ThermoScan ranges by age:

The range of normal varies from person to person and can be inuenced by

many factors such as time of day, level of activity, medications and gender.

1. Chamberlain, J.M., Terndrup, T.E., New Light on Ear Thermometer Readings, Contemporary Pediatrics,
March 1994.

2. Chamberlain, J.M., et al., Determination of Normal Ear Temperature with an Infrared
Emission Detection Thermometer,

Annals of Emergency Medicine, January 1995.

Package components

• Braun ThermoScan thermometer

• Directions for Use Manual

• 2 Duracell Alkaline batteries

• Additional items my be included as noted on outer
packaging

Product description

1. Probe cover

2. Probe

3. Probe cover detector/automatic «on»

4. Probe cover ejector

5. Display

6. «

mem» button (On/memory function)

7. «ExacTemp» light

8. Start button

9. Battery door

10. Protective cover

How to use your Braun ThermoScan

1. To achieve accurate measurements, make sure a new,
clean probe cover (1) is in place before each measure­ment. Use the following temperature taking technique:

2. When the probe cover is in place, the thermometer turns

on automatically. Wait for the ready signal beep.

3. Fit the probe snuggly into the ear canal, then push and
release the Start button (8).

If the probe has been properly inserted into the ear canal
during the complete measuring process, a long beep will
signal the end of the measuring process. The thermom­eter detects that an accurate temperature measurement

has been taken. The result is shown on the display (5).

When you take a temperature measurement, the
«ExacTemp» light (7) can be of help. It ashes during

the measuring process when the probe is correctly posi­tioned, and lights up continuously when the thermometer

detects that an accurate measurement has been taken.

ThermoScan

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4. If the probe has not been positioned correctly in the ear

canal or was moved during the measuring process, a

sequence of short beeps will sound, the «ExacTemp» light

will go out and the display will show an error message

(«POS» = position error).

5. For the next measurement, eject the used probe cover,
push ejector (4) and put on a new, clean probe cover. The

thermometer will turn on automatically. Wait for the ready

signal. Fit the probe snuggly into the ear canal, then push

and release the Start button.

The Braun ThermoScan ear thermometer turns off au-

tomatically after 60 seconds of inactivity. It can also be
turned off by pressing the «

» button for at least three
seconds. The display will shortly ash «OFF» and steadily
display the word «OFF» after releasing the button.

Temperature taking hints

• A temperature measurement taken in the right ear may
differ from a measurement taken in the left ear. Therefore,
always take the temperature in the same ear.

• The ear must be free from obstructions or excess cerumen
build-up in order to take an accurate measurement.

• External factors may inuence ear temperatures,
particularly when an individual has:

– been lying on one ear or the other
– had their ears covered
– been exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures, or
– been recently swimming or bathing.

In these cases, remove the individual from the situation and

wait 20 minutes prior to taking a temperature.

• For persons wearing hearing aids or ear plugs, remove the
device and wait 20 minutes prior to taking a temperature.

• Use the untreated ear if ear drops or other ear medications

have been placed in the ear canal.

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Memory mode

The last temperature taken before the Braun ThermoScan is

turned off is stored in its memory and will be automatically

displayed for one second when it is turned on again. For
display of the stored measurement for up to 60 seconds, the
«

» button must be pressed again. The memory mode is left

automatically after pressing the «

» button again. A reading

from memory is indicated on the LCD by «MEM».

Changing the default temperature scale

Your Braun ThermoScan is shipped with a default tempera­ture scale activated. If you wish to switch between Celsius
«°C» and Fahrenheit «°F» , proceed as follows:

Make sure the thermometer is turned off.
Press and hold down the «

» button. After about 3 seconds
the display will show this sequence: «°F» / «SET» / «°C» /
«SET» ...
Release the «

» button when the desired scale is shown.

There will be a short beep to conrm the new setting, then

the thermometer is turned off automatically. When turned on
again, temperatures will be shown in the selected scale, until
the above procedure is repeated.

Base station for storage, charging,
anti-theft function (optional)

For your Braun ThermoScan PRO 4000, there is a Base
Station available. Contact your distributor for details
(see inside cover).

The station automatically recharges the thermometer

(when using the rechargeable batteries supplied with the
base station), and it has an electronic, individually adjustable
anti-theft function. It also serves as a convenient stor­age base (can be wall mounted). It requires returning the
thermometer to the station within an individually pre-selected
time. Otherwise the thermometer will be locked.
When leaving the factory, the anti-theft function of the PRO
4000 is turned off.
If the anti-theft function is enabled, and when not in the
measuring process (stand-by mode) the thermometer will
show the hours remaining before it is locked.
To turn on the anti-theft function, please refer to the base

station manual.

...

...

8 9

If the thermometer shows «RET» (without the battery symbol) on its display, the
anti-theft time has elapsed and the thermometer must be returned to the station
for unlocking.

If the anti-theft function is not enabled, the display will show «off» when in stand-

by mode.

Care and cleaning

Braun ThermoScan probe covers are intended for single use only!
To ensure accurate readings, always use Braun ThermoScan disposable probe

covers with the PRO 4000 thermometer. Damaged, perforated, or soiled probe

covers can lead to inaccurate temperature readings. Additionally, the accuracy of
your temperature readings can be affected by damage to the probe window, or
the presence of dirt or cerumen on the probe window.

To assure a high level of accuracy, it is very important to keep this window clean,

dry and undamaged. Fingerprints, cerumen, dust and other soiling compounds
reduce transparency of the window and result in lower temperature measure­ments. If the thermometer is accidentally placed in the ear without a probe cover
installed, the window must be cleaned immediately. Additionally, the window

and/or probe tip area should never be modied, changed, or adjusted. These

changes will affect calibration and accuracy of the thermometer.

To clean the window, gently wipe its surface with a cotton swab slightly moist­ened with isopropyl alcohol and immediately wipe dry with a clean cotton swab.

After cleaning, allow at least 5 minutes drying time before taking temperatures.
Make sure probe window is clean and dry. Avoid touching the window except

when cleaning is required. If the window is damaged, the thermometer must be
returned to Welch Allyn for service.

Note: Do not use any chemical other than isopropyl alcohol to clean the probe

window.

Thermometer

Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the thermome­ter display and exterior. As needed, clean the thermometer and probe with a 70%
isopropyl alcohol solution or a 10% chlorine bleach solution or a nonstaining
disinfectant such as CaviCide

®

or its equivalent. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Never submerge the thermometer in water or any other liquid. Store thermometer

and probe covers in a dry location (the thermometer is not protected against in­gress of water), free from dust and contamination and away from direct sunlight.

The ambient temperature at the storage location should remain fairly constant

and within the range of 50 °F to 104 °F (10 °C to 40 °C).

Trouble-shooting

Situation Solution

Error message

No probe cover is attached. Attach new, clean probe cover.

(POS = position error)
The infrared monitor cannot nd a

temperature equilibrium and allows
no measurement.

Clear the display by changing
the probe cover.

Ensure that the positioning of the

probe is correct and remains stable.

(ashing)

Ambient temperature is not within the

allowed operating range 50–104 °F
(10–40 °C) or changing too rapidly.

Allow the thermometer to remain for 30
minutes in a room where the tempera­ture is between 50 and 104 °F / 10 and
40 °C.

Temperature taken is not within typical

human temperature range.

HI will be displayed when temperature
is higher than 108 °F (42.2 °C)

LO will be displayed when temperature
is lower than 68 °F (20 °C)

Make sure a new, clean probe cover is

attached and thermometer is properly

inserted. Then, take a new temperature

System error

If error persists,

If error still persists,

Wait 1 minute until the thermometer
turns off automatically, then turn on
again.

... reset the thermometer by removing

the batteries and putting them back

in.

... contact Welch Allyn.

10 11

Trouble-shooting

Situation Solution

Error message

Battery is low, but thermometer will
still operate correctly.

Insert new batteries.

Battery is too low to take

correct temperature measure­ments.

Insert new batteries.

Do you have any further ques-

tions?

... contact Welch Allyn.

Replacing the batteries

The thermometer is supplied with two 1.5 V batteries type AA (LR 6).
For best performance, we recommend Duracell

®

alkaline batteries.

Insert new batteries when the battery symbol appears on the display.

To open the battery compartment, depress the button in the door as shown

using a pen or other pointed object, while lifting the door. Remove the batteries
and replace with new batteries, making sure the poles are in the right direction.
Slide battery door back until it snaps in place.

To protect the
environment,
dispose of
empty batteries
according to
national or local
regulations.

Calibration

The thermometer is initially calibrated at the time of manufacture. If the

thermometer is used according to the use instruction, periodic readjustment
is not required. However, Welch Allyn recommends checking calibration on an

annual basis or whenever clinical accuracy of the thermometer is in question.

Procedures for checking calibration are outlined in the 9600 Plus Calibration
Tester (REF 01802-110) directions for use manual.

The above recommendations do not supersede the legal requirements. The user
must always comply with legal requirements for the control of the measurement,
functionality, and accuracy of the device which are required by the scope of
relevent laws, directives or ordinances where the device is used.

Manufacturing date is given by the LOT number located on front of the product.
The rst three digits give the day of the year manufactured.The second two
digits give the year of manufacture.The last six digits represent the serial

number of the device.

An example: LOT 27710KTC this product has been manufactured on the 277 day of
the year 2010.

Special situations

Clinical studies have shown the Braun ThermoScan thermometer can obtain accurate temperature mea­surements on full term newborn, pediatric and adult patients. However, there are special situations when an
ear thermometer should not be used. These include, but may not be limited to the following situations:

• Do not use an ear thermometer if there is blood or drainage in the external ear canal.

• An ear thermometer should not be used on a patient who exhibits symptoms of an acute or chronic
inammatory condition of the external ear canal.

• Common situations like the presence of moderate amounts of cerumen in the ear canal, otitis media
and tympanostomy tubes do not signicantly impact temperature readings. However, complete ear

canal occlusion due to cerumen can result in lower temperature readings.

• For persons using hearing aids or ear plugs, remove the device and wait 20 minutes prior to taking
a temperature.

• Use the untreated ear if prescription ear drops or other ear medications have been placed in the ear

canal.

• Patients who have deformities of the face and/or ear may not be able to have a temperature taken with
an ear thermometer.

Fever facts

Many persons may not have an elevated temperature even when they are ill. These include, but are not
limited to infants under 90 days of age, persons taking steroids, antibiotics or antipyretics (acetaminophen,
ibuprofen, aspirin), persons with compromised immune systems, including the elderly or persons with some

chronic illnesses.

Fever is described as an elevation of body temperature over an individual’s «normal» temperature.

An elevated temperature or fever is often viewed as a danger sign. In fact, a fever can be very benecial,

and helps our

immune system work more effectively. A fever should be evaluated along with other physical symptoms.
With the exception of newborn infants, the presence of fever, without any other symptoms of illness, or in a

child who is behaving normally may not be cause of concern.

Some people, such as the elderly, infants under 90 days of age, those with compromised immune systems,
or persons who take steroids for example are often unable to build a response to illness or environmental

conditions. These individuals may not have a fever when they are ill, or their elevated temperature may

be lower than expected for the severity of their illness. Other medications such as antiinammatories and
some analgesics may also mask fever.

The presence or absence of fever should not be used as the only measurement of the signicance of the

illness.

Febrile seizures, or convulsions, which usually occur in children six months to six years of age, are thought

to occur not because a fever is present, but because of the rapid rise of the child’s temperature.

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