Exergen TAT-5000 User Manual
EXERGEN
TemporalScanner
A kinder, gentler way to take temperature
TM
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1. Greenes DS, Fleisher, Accuracy of a noninvasive temporal artery thermometer for use in infants, Arch Pediatr Med 2001 Mar; 155(3):376-381
Model TAT-5000
Reference Manual
Important Safety Instructions
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING
When using the product, especially when children are present, basic safety precautions should
always be followed, including the following:
If you have any additional questions regarding use or care of the thermometer, please see
www.exergen.com or call customer service at 617-923-9900.
Use this product only for its intended use as described in this manual.
Do not take temperature over scar tissue, open sores or abrasions.
The operating environmental temperature range for this product is 60 to 104°F (15.5 to
40°C).
Always store this thermometer in a clean, dry place where it will not become excessively
cold (-4°F/-20°C), or hot (122°F/50°C).
The thermometer is not shockproof. Do not drop it or expose it to electrical shocks.
Do not Autoclave - Please note cleaning and sterilizing procedures in this manual.
Do not use this thermometer if it is not working properly, if it has been exposed to
temperature extremes, damaged, been subject to electrical shocks or immersed in
water.
There are no parts that you can service yourself except for the battery, which you
should replace when low following the instructions in this manual. For service,
repair, or adjustments, return your thermometer to Exergen.
Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
If your thermometer will not be used regularly, remove the battery to prevent possible
damage due to chemical leakage. If the battery leaks, remove carefully. Do not allow
bare skin to touch leaking fluid.
Dispose of used batteries properly. Do not wrap them in metal or aluminum foil. Wrap
them in newspaper before disposing of them. Do not burn them. Battery may explode
if overheated.
Not suitable for use in the presence of flammable anaesthetic mixtures.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
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Product Map
Product Map
Battery Compartment
Probe Cone
Probe Lens
ON Button
Automatic turn-off in
30 seconds (when
measuring in body
temperature range,
otherwise 5 seconds)
LED Display Screen
9-volt battery
Battery Compartment Door
9-Volt Battery
Compartment Door Screw
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F/C Switch
Introduction to Temporal Artery Thermometry
The Method
Temporal artery thermometry (TAT) is a completely new method of temperature
assessment, using infrared technology to detect the heat naturally emitting from
the skin surface. In addition, and of key importance, the method incorporates a
patented arterial heat balance system to automatically account for the effects of
ambient temperature on the skin.
This method of temperature assessment has been shown to improve results
and reduce costs by non-invasively measuring body temperature with a degree
of clinical accuracy unachievable with any other thermometry method.
Temperatures are more reliable than with other methods. Fevers are identified
sooner. Treatment can be initiated sooner. We trust you will find temporal
artery thermometry is simply a better method.
Why the Temporal Artery
The TAT method was developed in response to the clinical requirements for a
truly non-invasive, accurate method of thermometry. Oral thermometry is subject to many artifactual errors; rectal temperature meets with strong resistance
from patients, parents, and even many clinicians. Ear thermometers, although
convenient, are sensitive to technique. Some brands are known to miss fevers,
and it’s difficult to consider the use of an aural thermometer when 95% of pediatric visits concern ear infections.
Introduction
A site for detecting fevers with roots dating back to centuries before Christ, the
temporal artery demonstrated the necessary requirements to meet the stringent
demands of clinical medicine today: it is easily accessible, contains no mucous
membranes, and notably, maintains a relatively constant perfusion rate, ensuring the stability of blood flow required for the measurement method.
As a site for temperature measurement, the temporal artery presents many benefits: it poses no risk of injury for patient or clinician, eliminates any need for disrobing or unbundling, and is suitable for all ages.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Page(s)
Important Safety Instructions 1
Product Map 2
Introduction to Temporal Artery Thermometry 3
Familiarize Yourself with the TemporalScanner 5-6
Using the Instrument 7
Using the Instrument on a New Mother 8
Using the Instrument on an Infant 9
Frequently Asked Questions 10-13
Disposable Cover Options 13
Accessories 13
Guidelines for Patient Temperature Assessment
Comparing with other methods of thermometry 14-15
Determining a Fever Threshold 16
Body Sites for Temperature Assessment
An overview of temperature measuring sites 17-18
Reproducibility in Temperature Measurement 19
Forgotten Physiology 20-21
For Kids Only 22
Care and Maintenance of the Instrument 23-25
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Before Using, Familiarize Yourself with the Instrument
• To Scan: Depress the red button. The instrument will continually scan for the highest temperature
(peak) as long as the button is depressed.
• Clicking: Each fast click indicates a rise to a higher temperature, similar to a radar detector. Slow
clicking indicates that the instrument is still scanning, but not finding any higher temperature.
• To Retain or Lock Reading: The reading will remain on the display for 30 seconds after button is
released. If measuring room temperature, the temperature will remain on the display for only 5 seconds.
• To Restart: Depress the button to restart. It is not necessary to wait until the display is clear, the
thermometer will immediately begin a new scan each time the button is depressed.
• Pulse Timer: The thermometer has a built-in pulse timer. To activate, you should touch something
>90 oF (32 oC) (skin), press the red button once and release. The display will remain on for 30 seconds.
The Scan
One of the most important features of the thermometer is its ability to scan. It is a patented feature of
the instrument. Scanning is critical in obtaining the correct temperature, since there are temperature
gradients present not only inside the body, but across the entire surface of the body.
The object of scanning is to capture the highest temperature, the peak, in the area being scanned. As
long as the button is depressed, the thermometer will be continually sampling and recording the highest
temperature it measures.
Familiarize Yourself with the Instrument
Test it first on your hand to get comfortable with the concept.
Depress the red button, and keep it depressed. Scan the probe over the center area of your palm,
keeping the probe about a half an inch off the surface to avoid cooling the skin. The display will flash
SCAN, and there will be a soft but rapid clicking sound each time the sensor detects a temperature
higher than the one before. When the flashing and clicking slow to a little less than 1 per second, the
peak temperature has been reached. Any of the above indications can be used to assure the peak
temperature has been reached.
Remove the instrument from your palm and release the button and note the reading on the display.
The reading will be locked on the display for 30 seconds unless you press the button before that time.
Repeat the above steps and you should get the same, or very close to the same number, since your
hand will usually not appreciably change temperature very quickly.
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Practice Holding Your TemporalScanner
The TemporalScanner is ergonomically designed specifically for its
application. It’s best to hold the instrument with your thumb on the
red button, much like you would hold a remote control. Along with
allowing you to easily read the temperature display, you will automatically be using finger dexterity to gently position the probe, providing comfort and safety for your patient, and consistently accurate temperature readings.
Things To Know Before Taking Temperatures
• Measure only the exposed side. Anything covering the area to be
measured would insulate it and prevent the heat from dissipating,
resulting in falsely high readings. Brush hair aside if covering the
TA, or the area behind the ear.
• Slide the thermometer straight across the forehead (midline),
and not down the side of the face. Midline over the TA area,
the TA is less than 2mm below skin surface, whereas as the TA
winds down the side of the face, it is further from the skin
surface. Although anatomically correct, sliding downwards
would result in falsely low readings.
• It is preferable to hold the instrument sideways, as illustrated in
Familiarize Yourself with the Instrument
Figure 2. Approaching your patient with the instrument straight
up and down could be somewhat intimidating.
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• When making the measurement behind the ear as in Figure 3,
tuck the thermometer under the ear lobe in the soft conical
depression on the neck just below the mastoid. This is the
place where a dab of perfume is typically applied.
Using on an Infant
• An infant is apt to present bundled, with blankets and clothing
covering the neck area. Fortunately, the perfusion rate is
normally strong for infants, and unless visibly diaphoretic, one
measurement at the TA is typically all that is required.
Should you feel the temperature is low, then push aside any
clothing or blankets covering the neck area for ~30 seconds or
so, and repeat the measurement behind the ear.
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Basics of Using the TemporalScanner
Using the TemporalScanner
Measure only the exposed side.
Brush hair aside if covering the
TA area.
1. With probe flush on the
center of forehead, depress
red button, keep depressed…
2. Slowly slide probe midline
across forehead to the hair
line, not down side of face.
Alternate sites when TA or BE are unavailable:
• Femoral artery: slowly slide the probe across groin.
• Lateral thoracic artery: slowly scan side-to-side in the
∼midway between the axilla and the nipple.
area
• Axilla: insert probe in apex of axilla for 2-3 seconds.
Questions? Please call us at 800-422-3006
Brush hair away if covering ear.
3. Lift probe from forehead
and touch on the neck just
behind the ear lobe.
4. Release the button, read,
and record temperature.
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Using the TemporalScanner on a New Mother
• Measure exposed skin
• Keep the red button
depressed throughout
measurement
(Brush bangs aside if present)
1. With probe flush on center of forehead, depress red button.
2. Slowly slide probe across the forehead into the hair line.
3. Lift probe from forehead.
(Brush hair away if covering ear)
Using the TemporalScanner on a New Mother
4. Touch probe to neck just behind the ear lobe.
5. Release button, read, and record temperature.
• Temperature will remain on display for 30 seconds after the
red button is released.
• Sequence can be restarted at any time without waiting for
display to clear.
Questions? Please call us at 800-422-3006
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