Exergen TEMPORALSCANNER TAT-5000 - Manual (Page 12)

Frequently Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TemporalScanner?
The TemporalScanner is an infrared thermometer designed for accurate, completely
non-invasive temperature assessment by scanning the temporal artery (TA). It is
breakthrough technology.
How does it work?
Temperature is measured by gently stroking the TemporalScanner across the forehead,
and includes a momentary touch of the probe to the neck area behind the ear lobe, to
account for any cooling of the forehead as a result of diaphoresis. The patented arterial
heat balance technology (AHB™) automatically measures the temperature of the skin
surface over the artery and the ambient temperature. It samples these readings some
1000 times a second, ultimately recording the highest temperature measured (peak)
during the course of the measurement. The TemporalScanner emits nothing - it only
senses the natural thermal radiation emitted from the skin.
How accurate is it?
It has been clinically proven in premier university hospitals to be more accurate than ear
thermometry, and better tolerated than rectal thermometry. It is a superior method for
patient and clinician alike.
What if the TA area has been traumatized by burns or lacerations,
or is completely covered with dressings?
With head trauma, surgical or accidental, the temperature can be obtained from the
alternative site behind the ear lobe. As with diaphoresis, the perfusion will be high in the
presence of head trauma.
Why measure behind the ear lobe?
Sweat causes evaporative cooling of the skin on the forehead, and introduces the possi-
bility of a false low temperature. Fortunately for the method, during diaphoresis the area
on the head behind the ear lobe will always exhibit the high blood flow necessary for the
arterial measurement.
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