Posted by Jessica Wetzel on Wed, Jun 08, 2011 @ 10:48 AM
Essential Information for Evaluating Thermometry Products
Whether you are looking to purchase a new electronic thermometer or inherited a thermometer for your health office, it is imperative you understand how the “ABC’s of Thermometry” apply to your thermometer. Following the ABC’s of Thermometry will provide you with the most accurate reading possible, a critical element when assessing the health of your patient.
The ABC’s of Thermometry
A is for Age Ranges – does your thermometer have a recommended age minimum it supports? If so, make sure you are following the manufacturer’s suggestions; otherwise be prepared for inaccurate readings.
B is for Battery Info – What batteries does your unit use? How long can you expect them to last? Do you have replacement batteries readily available?
C is for Cleaning – Any thermometer that comes in contact with a patient will typically have probe covers for hygienic purposes. However, other parts of the thermometer can still become dusty or soiled over time, which can affect performance. Do you know how to clean your thermometer according to the manufacturer’s instructions? Some thermometers will be completely ruined if you use any chemical other than alcohol. Read carefully.
D is for Defaults – What are the default settings on your thermometer, and will you need to change them? Do you know how to change them? Understand your thermometer’s settings to make your life that much easier when putting the thermometer in action.
E is for Evaluate Technique – Correct use of thermometers is essential for accurate readings. There are a variety of thermometry products on the market today that utilize different techniques to get a body temperature reading. Oral, temporal, tympanic, and axillary are a few of the ways you can measure body temperature. Consider the instructions carefully when deciding on a thermometry product.
View the ABC's of the Braun ThermoScan PRO 4000 or find out more product information >>
View the ABC's of the SureTemp Plus 690 & 692 or find out more product information >>