It allows the calibration of any Exergen thermometer to be verified in the
hospital, on nursing floors, or in the field, conveniently, quickly, and
accurately.
Why is a CVK
Calibration verification is a commonly required part of routine quality
assurance programs, and also is used if a question is raised about the accuracy
of a particular thermometer. Actual recalibration of an Exergen thermometer is
never required unless it has been physically damaged or experiences
component failure, in which case the calibration verification test identifies the
problem device, which then is returned to the factory for repair.
What
A special TAT-5000 Certified Master (CM) reference thermometer of the same
calibration type (Arterial or Oral) in use by the institution, a portable hand-held
reference blackbody, an AC plug-in adapter for long term use, a 9-volt battery
for portable use, and a rugged storage case.
Who uses the CVK
is the
purpose
necessary?
is in the CVK
?
?
of a
calibration verification
kit?
Calibration Verification
P/N 129075 – Arterial
P/N 129076 – Oral
In
Use with TAT-5000
Kit
The main users are biomedical/clinical engineering, blood donor and pheresis
units (in the United States, blood donor and pheresis units are required by the
American Association of Blood Banks to verify thermometers on a daily basis),
and many nursing units where accurate temperature is critical such as
hematology/oncology, and bone marrow and organ transplant units.
How is the CVK
ordered?
The order must include the serial number of any one of the TAT-5000 or TAT5000S thermometers that will be verified. This identification assures an exact
calibration match to the CM reference thermometer.
Does the master reference thermometer need calibration?
The calibration of the CM thermometer should be checked and factory recertified yearly. This is indicated by the due date on the calibration sticker
affixed to the CM thermometer. On or before the due date the CM thermometer
should be returned to Exergen for re-certification. The Exergen part number for
re-certification is 139000, the cost is $75.
In
Use with TAT-5000S
Handheld Blackbody
EXERGEN
400 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Email: medical@exergen.com
Phone 617.923.9900
Fax: 617-923-9911
CORPORATION
www.exergen.com
Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometry
Calibration Verification Procedure
Suitable for All TAT-5000 and TAT-5000S Models
All Exergen infrared thermometers are
designed to permanently maintain their
accuracy, and feature a patented
hermetically-sealed optical system which
protects the internal optical system against
contamination by dirt, dust, moisture, and
solvents.
Most reported problems are the result of a
dirty lens. As infrared thermometers take an
optical measurement, a dirty lens can result
in a low reading. Cleaning the lens will
result in an immediate return to normal
calibration.
Normally, recalibration is never required
unless the thermometer has been physically
damaged or experiences component failure.
Recalibration is done only at the factor y, but calibration verification can be conveniently accomplished
with a Calibration Verification Kit in biomedical engineering, and other areas requiring frequent
accuracy verification of patient thermometry such as blood donor or pheresis units.
Calibration Verification Kit (CVK)
The CVK includes a portable blackbody heat generator providing a stable source of heat in a small
cavity. This is used as a target reference to
verify the calibration of any of Exergen’s
medical instruments against an Exergen
Certified Master (CM) reference instrument,
also included in the kit. The CM instrument
must be of the same type calibration as the units
to be tested (S/N label letters A or O need to
match). If this is not the case, please contact
Exergen.
The verifier operates with either a 9-volt power
supply plugged directly into a 90 to 264 VAC
electrical outlet allowing its extended use, or for
portable use on nursing floors, it can be
completely powered by a 9-volt battery.
Figure 1. Portable black body is used to verify the
calibration of any TAT-5000 or TAT-5000S vs. a Certified
Master, by comparison of readings.
Figure 2. Model PBB-1 Portable Blackbody
Calibration Verifier
Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometry
•
3
F/C Switch
Calibration Verification:
1. Getting started. Turn on the verifier device, making sure the LED is
illuminated. If not, check the battery to assure it is installed correctly. If using
the power supply, simply insert the plug into the power supply jack, and plug
the power supply into any 90 to 264 VAC electrical outlet.
Check the serial numbers of both the Certified Master and the thermometer to
be tested. Both should start with the letter ‘A’ (Arterial) or both with the letter
‘O’ (Oral) indicating that the calibration types are correct. If the serial numbers
do not have matching letter prefix type codes, please contact Exergen.
2. Allow device to stabilize
warm-up and stabilization time.
3. Allow both the Certified Master and instruments to be tested to acclimate
to the same ambient temperature
for at least 10 minutes.
4. Assure lens is clean
instruments, including the Master Reference, is clean. To clean, use an alcohol
dampened cotton tipped applicator (Q-tip) which is required to get directly on
the lens.
5. Using disposable covers or sheaths
when checking thermometer calibration with the CVK.
6. Conversion of Master thermometer from F to C: The CM thermometer can
be converted from Fahrenheit to Celsius and back by means of a switch, which
is accessable in the battery compartment.
Calibration Veri fication Procedures
. Once turned on, allow approximately 5 minutes for
. Allow to equilibrate to room temperature
. Make sure the lens at the tip of the probe of all
. Do not use disposable covers or sheaths
Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometry
•
4
Calibration Veri fication Procedures
7. Compare CM Reference Thermometer readings to test thermometer. Refer to
instruction manual for particular model being verified. Alternately insert the CM
thermometer and the thermometer being verified into the portable blackbody calibration
verifier opening, comparing readings to the CM.
8. Accuracy Limits
within ±0.4°F (0.2°C) for acceptable field limits. If not, repeat the process. In the event
they still differ by more than the acceptable limits, call Exergen Corporation for replacement
of the failed instrument.
9. Heat Balance Awareness: TAT-5000 and TAT-5000S models employ the patented arterial
heat balance method to adjust to their surrounding ambient temperature for precise, absolute
accuracy. If left sitting on the heat well, they will assume the warmer temperature of the
well, and thus will be at a different ambient than the instrument being tested (assuming it is
at room temperature), and this could make a difference in the comparison.
10. Reminder: Comparisons between the CM and the instrument being tested should always be
conducted under the same conditions.
: Comparison between CM and tested thermometer readings should be
Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometry • Calibration Veri fication Procedures
5
Verifier Specifications:
•P
ower Source
merican, European, United Kingdom, Australian and Chinese power outlets.
A
•Battery Life: approximately 1 hr
ow Voltage Indicator: red LED shuts off when battery voltage drops below ~5 volts.
•L
•Temperature: body temperature range 97 - 104°F (36 - 40°C), may vary with batter
voltage.
•Cleaning: wipe down with alcohol or cleaning solution, do not immerse.
•Recertification
recertification.
: 9-volt battery, or 9-volt power supply with adapter blades for North
.
y
: Certification is for one year. Please call Exergen to arrange for
Figure 3. Power supply for PBB-1
I
f you have any questions about the calibration or operation of the Exergen Infrared
Thermometers, please email medical@exergen.com, or call Exergen Medical Division.