TriMedika is proud to present TRITEMP™ non-contact forehead thermometers, which takes accurate temperature readings within 0.2°C. Although thermometers are always an essential barometer for assessing a person’s general health, the need for these devices has increased significantly during the pandemic.
No longer just a staple of healthcare facilities, businesses throughout the UK are investing in thermometers to help minimise the spread of COVID-19. By taking the temperature of anyone arriving on their premises, businesses can meet new health and safety regulations by detecting an individual with a raised temperature.
Thermometers are available in all shapes and sizes, including rectal, oral and forehead devices. This guide will explore the accuracy rate of forehead thermometers in detail.
Check the Conditions Are Right
The TRITEMP™ thermometer is CE marked and manufactured in Europe. As an ISO 13485:2016 accredited company, our thermometers boast a superior quality. However, it is essential that users pay careful attention to the instructions in order to gain an accurate reading. By doing so, this could ultimately save lives.
As TRITEMP is a heat measuring device it is important to check the surroundings to minimise the impact of external heating or cooling sources to obtain the most accurate readings. Before taking a temperature, TRITEMP™ must be equilibrated to room temperature conditions for approximately 20 minutes in advance of use.
You should also avoid taking the temperature of a person who is sat near a radiator, fan or air vent. Any hot or cold air circulating could negatively impact the legitimacy of the temperature reading. So long as you’re able to control room temperature conditions, then you can be assured of the accuracy rate of 0.2 degrees Celsius.
Why Take a Forehead Temperature?
With other body zones to choose from, why take the temperature of the forehead in comparison to an internal reading? Let’s take a look at how body temperature works.
Blood flow to the forehead is supplied via the temporal artery which then allows heat to be emitted as infrared energy. This heat can then be captured by our cone shaped collector found at the end of the TRITEMP™ thermometer. This heat is then converted into core body temperature and is displayed on the device.
The accuracy of TRITEMP™ is on a par with internal body probes but far less invasive.
In fact, another key advantage that our non-contact forehead thermometers have is that you can clearly see the area above and between the eyebrows to take the temperature from. If there are any obstacles in place, such as hair, glasses or headwear, then these can be removed quickly and easily. The same cannot be said with other types of contact thermometers.
Check thermometer calibration
The TRITEMP™ thermometer also works alongside our Calibration Checker, which is a bench-top designed to enable qualified personnel to verify the accuracy of the device. Annual checking of the TRITEMP™ thermometer is advised, but if you have any concerns about the precision of your device, then spot-checking is also available as required. The verification test takes under a minute and will provide you with peace of mind that your TRITEMP™ is working at its optimal level.
FAQ’s
What is a Forehead Thermometer?
A forehead thermometer relies on infrared sensors to accurately measure the core temperature of a branch of the carotid artery known as the superficial temporal artery. Non-contact forehead temperatures have long been seen as a convenient way to measure temperature, but they have significantly increased in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. As physical contact isn’t required to take a precise reading, these devices are optimal for use in a clinical setting as it enables healthcare professionals to take temperature quickly whilst removing the risk of cross infection from the thermometer.
How Do You Use a Forehead Thermometer?
Forehead thermometers are exceptionally easy to use. As infrared energy travels in straight lines, the person taking the reading must be stood with a straight arm facing the person. Clear any obstacles such as hair or headwear out of the way before use and then aim at the area slightly above and between the person’s eyebrows. If you hold the device pointed slightly up or down, then the TRITEMP™ thermometer will not be able to work. Rather than producing an inaccurate reading, any misalignment that is registered will prevent the device from working so you should simply try again with a straighter arm.
The person’s temperature will be displayed on the reader of the TRITEMP™ thermometer.
Why Are Thermometers Important in Hospitals?
Temperature tracking is an important, and often an early indication that your body is fighting an infection. By monitoring body temperature, even in a healthy person, this can help detect illness and also determine if any given treatment is working. In a hospital environment, temperature taking is essential, particularly during the pandemic where an elevated core body temp is one of the main symptoms that a person has the coronavirus.
Therefore, thermometers are used in every hospital, on every ward on every patient. This makes thermometers a core medical device needed by every hospital. TRITEMP™ thermometers are medical grade devices which have been designed with nurses in mind.
* https://guide.medicalexpo.com/choosing-the-right-medical-thermometer
* https://www.microlife.com/magazine/fever/why-you-should-measure-body-temperature
