Exergen TAT-5000 TemporalScanner Reference Manual

Reference Manual

Model TAT-5000

Accuracy supported by more than 50 peer-reviewed
published studies for all ages from neonate to geriatric, and
in all clinical settings. Contact [e-mail].

U.S.A. and Canada

EXERGEN

TemporalScanner™

A Kinder, gentler way to take temperature

Visit www.exergen.com/ww

Important Safety Instructions

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING

1

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

When using the product, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

● 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 and transport this thermometer in a clean, dry place where it will not become
excessively cold (-4°F/-20°C), or hot (122°F/50°C). Relative humidity 93% maximum,
non-condensing. Atmospheric pressure 50 kpa to 106 kpa.

● 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 by following the instructions in this manual. For service, repair, or adjustments, return

your thermometer to Exergen. WARNING: No modications of this equipment are allowed.

● Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

● If your thermometer is not used regularly, remove the battery to prevent possible damage due to
chemical leakage.

● Follow the battery manufacturer’s recommendations or your hospital policy for the disposal of
used batteries.

● Not suitable for use in the presence of ammable anaesthetic mixtures.

● If you have any additional questions regarding use or care of the thermometer, please see
www.exergen.com or call Customer Service at [phone].

● Mode of Operation: Intermittent operation.

2

Product Map

Product Map

Probe Cone

Probe Lens

ON Button

Automatic turn-off in
30 seconds (when
measuring in body
temperature range,
otherwise 5 seconds).

LED Display Screen

Battery Compartment

9-Volt Battery

Battery Compartment Door

Compartment Door Screw

F/C Switch

3

Introduction

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. The temporal
scanner is a type BF device.

Temperatures are more reliable than with other methods. Fevers are identied
sooner. Treatment can be initiated sooner. We trust you will nd 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 difcult to consider the use of an aural thermometer when 95% of

pediatric visits concern ear infections.

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 ow required for the measurement method.

As a site for temperature measurement, the temporal artery presents many

benets: it poses no risk of injury for patient or clinician, eliminates any need for

disrobing or unbundling, and is suitable for all ages.

4

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Page(s)

Important Safety Instructions 1

Product Map 2

Introduction to Temporal Artery Themometry 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 14-15

Comparing with other methods of thermometry

Determining a Fever Threshold 16

Body Sites for Temperature Assessment 17-18

An overview of temperature measuring sites

Reproducibility in Temperature Measurement 19

Forgotten Physiology 20-21

For Kids Only 22

Care and Maintenance of the Instrument 23-25

5

Familiarize Yourself with the Instrument

Before Using, Familiarize Yourself with the Instrument

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.

Test it rst 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 ash 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

ashing 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.

• 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

nding any higher temperature.

• To Retain or Lock Reading: The reading will remain on the display for 30
seconds after the 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°F (32°C) (skin), press the red button once and release. The

display will remain on for 30 seconds.

6

Familiarize Yourself with the Instrument

Practice Holding Your TemporalScanner

The TemporalScanner is ergonomically designed specically 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 nger 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 Figure 2. Approaching your patient with the instrument
straight up and down could be somewhat intimidating.

• 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.

1

2

3

4

7

Using the TemporalScanner

Basics of Using the TemporalScanner

Measure only the exposed side.
Brush hair aside if covering the
TA area.

Brush hair away if covering ear.

1. With probe ush on the center of the forehead, depress red button,
keep depressed...

2. Slowly slide probe midline across forehead to the hair line, not down

side of face.

3. Lift probe from forehead and touch on the neck just behind the ear lobe.

4. Release the button, read, and record temperature.

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 area ~midway between
the axilla and the nipple.

• Axilla: insert probe in apex of axilla for 2-3 seconds.

Questions? Please call us at 800-422-3006

8

Using the TemporalScanner on a New Mother

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 ush on the center of the forehead, depress red button.

2. Slowly slide probe across forehead to the hair line.

3. Lift probe from forehead.

Questions? Please call us at 800-422-3006

(Brush hair away if covering ear)

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.