Thermometers

A new probe cover must be used for each measurement in order to ensure accurate results. Never use the thermometer without a probe cover as this can cause the lens to become dirty and potentially impact the accuracy of the temperature measurement. The Probe Cover is critical to ensure fingerprints, ear wax or dirt will not contaminate the probe and impede upon 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 return the thermometer to its protective case when not in use.

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.

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.

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.

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.