Digital Thermometers
Why measure body temperature?
What is considered 'normal' temperature?
What is important when taking temperature?
Where should I take the temperture?
Why take temperature readings from the ear?
What is fever?
What is infection?
How accurate are temperature measurements?
How do I keep the 'probe' lens on the Gentle Temp Ear Thermometer clean and free of scratches?
What causes low reading when using an ear thermometer?
What type of replacement battery do I need to purchase for the Gentle Temp ear thermometer?
Is the probe cover latex free?
Are probe covers available for both the Ear and Pencil type thermometers?
Why measure body temperature?
It is of great medical importance to measure body temperature. The reason is that a number of diseases are accompanied by characteristic changes in body temperature. Likewise, the course of certain diseases can be monitored by measuring body temperature, and the efficiency of a treatment initiated can be evaluated by the physician. Fever is a reaction to disease-specific stimuli, where the set point of the temperature control centre is varied to promote the body's defences against the disease process. Fever is the most common form of pathological (disease- related) elevation on body temperature.
What is considered ‘normal’ temperature?
Temperature ranges vary by age group. The following ranges are based on an oral measurement. The first group, babies and toddlers, ages 0 to 2 years range from 36.4°C – 38.0°C. Children age 3 to 10 years range from 36.1°C – 37.8°C. Young people and adults age 11 to 65 range from 35.9°C – 37.6°C, and adults over the age of 65 range from 35.8°C – 37.5°C.Please note that large individual variations are observed in groups of older people. Always consult with your healthcare professional for measurement methods and guidelines for reporting a fever.
What is important when taking temperature?
Essentially, it is true that the measured body temperature always depends on where it is measured. Therefore, contrary to popular consensus, there is no simple "normal temperature. Furthermore, a healthy person's body temperature will vary with activity and time of day. In a rectal temperature measurement, a typical temperature difference of 0.5°C between the higher evening temperatures is physiological. Body temperature is typically elevated after physical activity.
Roughly speaking, a distinction is made between a core temperature and a surface, where the surface temperature is measured at the skin surface and is a mixed temperature between the body's core temperature and the ambient temperature. The core temperature is measured by inserting a thermometer into a body cavity, which yields the temperature of the mucous tissue.
Where should I take the temperature?
Rectal:
The most reliable core temperature is obtained by inserting a thermometer into the rectum (rectal measurement). This measurement is accurate and has low possibility for errors in the results. The normal range is approximately: 36.2°C – 37.7°C.
Ear:
This is also a very reliable method of measuring core temperature. In this case a thermometer capable of detecting the infrared heat given off by the ear drum (tympanic membrane) is used. This measurement is accurate and has low possibility for errors in the results. The normal range is approximately: 35.5°C - 37.5°C.
Oral:
The oral measurement can be performed as ‘in the cheek’ measurement (called buccal) or as a ‘under the tongue’ measurement (called sublingual). Both measurements underestimate the rectal temperature by approximately 0.3° C – 0.8° C, with the ‘under the tongue’ measurement being preferable to ‘in the cheek’.
Armpit:
Body surface temperature measurements used in clinical practice are in the arm pit (axillary measurement) and in the groin. In both cases the respective limb is pressed against the body in order to reduce any ambient temperature influence. However, this is successful only to a limited extent with the disadvantage that the measurement time is long. In adults, the axillary measurement is lower than the rectal by as much as 0.5°C – 1.5°C! In infants, these differences, in comparison with the rectal temperature, are much smaller.
Why take temperature readings from the ear?
The OMRON Gentle Temp Thermometer is less threatening to a child than a rectal thermometer. It’s faster, safer and easier to use than an oral thermometer. Measurements can even be taken while a child is sleeping. For adults, the OMRON Gentle Temp Thermometer offers fast convenient, accurate readings without the wait of a conventional thermometer. Please note, it is not recommended to use a Gentle Temp Thermometer with babies (0 – 2 years of age). The part of the brain that controls body temperature does not fully develop until they are over the age of two. Using an ear thermometer with a baby may result in an inaccurate temperature reading. A rectal thermometer (OMRON Pencil type), is recommended.
What is fever?
Fever is the first weapon of defense when a foreign substance invades the body. Chemicals released by the foreign substances stimulate a portion of the brain called the hypothalamus to increase body temperature. The hypothalamus is the “thermostat” of the body. It can raise or lower body temperature through chemical signals to other systems to make the necessary changes.
A fever is the response to foreign substances, bacteria or viruses in the body. Fever has benefits. The higher body temperature does not allow certain chemicals and nutrients to be available for the bacterial or virus to exist and/or reproduce. The higher body temperature works with the immune system to fight off infection. Fever is a symptom that should be reported to a healthcare professional. Each person should find out his or her specific healthcare professional’s guidelines for reporting a fever.
What is infection?
The body is made up of many systems that work together to provide health, wellness and daily function. When one of these systems is not working together with the others, diseases or a state of illness occurs. The immune system is the “watchdog” of the body. It protects the body from substances that do not belong there. These foreign substances can be bacteria, viruses, or tissue from another person or living thing. An infection occurs when one of these foreign substances has gained entry into someone’s body. A portion of the brain called the hypothalamus directs several different activities when something biochemical or physiologically abnormal is noted. The hypothalamus releases chemicals that increase the body temperature in the presence of infections. We know this process to be called a fever. Other signs of infection can include pain, swelling, heat, redness, abnormal liquid secretions dependent on the type of invading organism and the body part involved. Although the immune system is the body’s “watchdog” against infection, contact your healthcare professional at the first signs of infection.
How accurate are thermometer measurements?
Essentially a distinction must be made between the technical accuracy of the thermometer itself and the clinical accuracy in use in taking a temperature. The former is determined under idealised conditions to guarantee the quality of the instrument, taking the relevant technical standards into account. An accuracy of +/- 0.1°C can be considered state of the art for high-grade thermometers. The user must not confuse technical accuracy with the accuracy in use. Inaccuracy in human body temperature measurements, which depend on the measurement location and time, are due to physiological causes and are not due to a thermometer malfunction. By correctly applying a thermometer, the accuracy can be significantly increased (follow the Instruction Manual).
How do I keep the probe ‘lens’ on the Gentle Temp Ear Thermometer clean and free of scratches?
The Probe Cover is critical to ensure fingerprints, ear wax or dirt will not impede the accuracy of the thermometer. If the probe lens becomes dirty it may be gently cleaned with a soft cotton cloth moistened with alcohol. Do NOT use a paper towel. The fibers in the paper towel may scratch the probe lens. Allow forty- five (45) minutes for the probe lens to dry completely before attaching the Probe Cover. Always attach a clean Probe Cover and return the thermometer to its protective case when not in use.
What causes a low reading when using an ear thermometer?
The technique used when taking ones temperature is the general cause for a low reading. We recommend that you practice using the ear thermometer on yourself and other family members when you are healthy. This will improve your technique and you will feel more confident of the measurement you take when someone is ill. Important - read the Instruction Manual. A low reading can be caused by an ear infection.
What type of replacement battery do I need to purchase for the Gentle Temp Ear Thermometer?
The Gentle Temp Ear Thermometer (model MC-510), uses a single 3V lithium battery. The battery type is CR2032. Please note the orientation of the battery (+ and -), when replacing. If in doubt, refer to the Instruction Manual.
Is the probe cover latex free?
All OMRON probe covers are latex free. For hygienic purposes we recommend applying a new probe cover each time you use your thermometer.
Are probe covers available for both the Ear and Pencil type thermometers?
Yes, please contact your nearest OMRON retailer to order the Probe Cover for the Gentle Temp Ear Thermometer or the universal one that fits all Pencil type thermometers.
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