TAT-5000S-RS232-QR IFU Mindray Accurate Temperature with Gentle Forehead Scan
User Manual
TAT-5000S-RS232-QR IFU Mindray Accurate Temperature with Gentle Forehead Scan
TAT-5000S-RS232-QR IFU
Mindray
The Temporal Scanner is an infrared thermometer designed for accurate, completely noninvasive temperature assessment by scanning the temporal artery (TA).
Temperature is measured by gently stroking the Temporal Scanner 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 Temporal Scanner emits nothing – it only senses the natural thermal radiation emitted from the skin.
It has been clinically proven in premier university hospitals to be more accurate than ear thermometry, and better tolerated than rectal thermometry, and is supported by more than 50 peer-reviewed published studies covering all ages from premature infants to geriatrics in all clinical care areas. It is a superior method for patient and clinician alike.
A 40-page compendium on Temporal Artery Temperature Assessment is available at www.exergen.com/medical/PDFs/tempassess.pdf, and a complete list of peer-reviewed published clinical studies is available at www.exergen.com/c. Complete multilanguage information on clinical use, instruction manuals, and training is available at www.exergen.com/s, which includes links to a specialized clinical site http://www.exergen.com/tathermometry/index.htm.
The link to www.exergen.com/s appears on the front label of the instrument as a scannable “QR” symbol for easy linking to the site.
Important Safety Instructions
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING
Intended Use: The Exergen Temporal Scanner is a handheld infrared thermometer used by medical professionals for the intermittent measurement of human body temperature of people of all ages, by scanning the forehead skin over the temporal artery. Intended users are physicians, nurses, and nursing assistants at all levels who normally provide patient care. The thermometer provides a peak temperature reading from plural readings during the step of scanning. Electronic circuitry processes the measured peak temperature to provide a temperature display based on a model of heat balance relative to a detected arterial temperature, the electronic circuitry computing an internal temperature of the body as a function of ambient temperature (Ta) and sensed surface temperature. Training materials that are supplementary to this instruction manual are available at www.exergen.com/s, and recommended for first time users.
TAT-5000S Series thermometers are used by medical professionals in clinical environments. Such medical professionals include physicians, nurses, nurses’ aides, patient care technicians, and others who are trained to take the temperature of patients. Clinical environments include areas where medical professionals are providing medical services for patients, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, primary care offices, and other settings where temperature is taken as part of patient care. Clinical environments include Emergency Medical Services environments.
Additionally, the TAT-5000S series thermometers are not for use aboard aircraft or near High Frequency Surgical Equipment or Radio Frequency shielded rooms, such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) areas.
When using the product basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:
- Use this product only for its intended use as described in this manual.
- Do not take temperature over scar tissue, open sores or abrasions.
- The operating environmental temperature range for this product is 60 to 104°F (15.5 to 40°C).
- Always store this thermometer in a clean, dry place where it will not become excessively cold (-4°F/-20°C), or hot (122°F/50°C) or humid (max RH 93% non-condensing, at 50 to 106 kPa).
- The thermometer is not shockproof. Do not drop it or expose it to electrical shocks.
- Do not Autoclave. Please note cleaning and sterilizing procedures in this manual.
- Do not use this thermometer if it is not working properly, if it has been exposed to temperature extremes, damaged, been subject to electrical shocks or immersed in water.
- There are no parts that you can service yourself except for the battery, which you should replace when low by following the instructions in this manual. For service, repair, or adjustments, return your thermometer to Exergen. Warning: no modification of this equipment is allowed.
- Never drop or insert any object into any opening, unless stated in this manual.
- If your thermometer is not used regularly, remove the battery to prevent possible damage due to chemical leakage.
- Follow the battery manufacturer’s recommendations or your hospital policy for the disposal of used batteries.
- Not suitable for use in the presence of flammable anesthetic mixtures.
- Communication cables for the TAT-5000S that are field replaceable are specific to the model and patient monitor. Only compatible cables may be used, to maintain compliance of the TAT-5000S thermometers with requirements for Emissions and Immunity.
- If the device fails to operate as described above, see the FAQ section of this manual. Additionally, ensure that you are not in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances.
- If you have any additional questions regarding use or care of the thermometer, please see www.exergen.com or call customer service at 617-923-9900.
WARNING: Use of this equipment adjacent to or stacked with other equipment (other than TAT-5000S compatible patient monitors) should be avoided because it could result in improper operation. If such use is necessary, this equipment and the other equipment should be observed to verify that they are operating normally.
WARNING: Use of accessories, transducers and cables other than those specified or provided by the manufacturer of this equipment could result in increased electromagnetic emissions or decreased electromagnetic immunity of this equipment and result in improper operation.
WARNING: Portable RF communications equipment (including peripherals such as antenna cables and external antennas) should be used no closer than 30 cm (12 inches) to any part of the TAT-5000S thermometer, including cables specified by the manufacturer. Otherwise, degradation of the performance of this equipment could result.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Introduction to Temporal Artery Thermometry
Temporal artery thermometry (TAT) is a completely new method of temperature assessment, using infrared technology to detect the heat naturally emitting from the skin surface. In addition, and of key importance, this method incorporates a patented arterial heat balance system to automatically account for the effects of ambient temperature on the skin.
This method of temperature assessment has been shown to improve results and reduce costs by non-invasively measuring body temperature with a degree of clinical accuracy unachievable with any other thermometry method.
Before Using, Familiarize Yourself with the Instrument
- To Scan: Depress the red button. The instrument will continually scan for the highest temperature (peak) as long as the button is depressed.
- Clicking: Each fast click indicates a rise to a higher temperature, similar to a radar detector. Slow clicking indicates that the instrument is still scanning, but not finding any higher temperature.
- To Retain or Lock Reading: The reading will remain on the display for 30 seconds after button is released. If measuring room temperature, the temperature will remain on the display for only 5 seconds.
- To Restart: Depress the button to restart. It is not necessary to wait until the display is clear, the thermometer will immediately begin a new scan each time the button is depressed.
Alternate sites when temporal artery or behind ear are unavailable:
- Femoral artery: slowly slide the probe across groin.
- Lateral thoracic artery: slowly scan side-to-side in the area ~midway between the axilla and the nipple.
Let the instrument acclimatize for at least 10 minutes in the area in which it will be used.
2-Step Infant Temperature Measurement
Step 1
Place probe flush on center of forehead and depress button. Keeping button depressed, slowly slide probe mid-line across forehead to the hair line.
Step 2
Release button remove from head and read.
How to improve the accuracy of your measurements on infants
![]() | |
The preferred site is the temporal artery area. Unless visibly diaphoretic, one measurement here is typically all that is required | If the temporal artery is covered, then the area behind the ear, if exposed, can be an alternate site. |
![]() | |
Measure straight across the forehead and not down side of face. At mid-line, the temporal artery is about 2 mm below the surface, but can go deeply below the surface on the side of the face. | Brush the hair aside if covering the area to be measured. Measurement site must be exposed. |
3-Step Adult Temperature Measurement
![]() | ||
Step 1 Slide across forehead. Place probe flush on center of forehead and depress button. Keeping button depressed slowly slide probe mid-line across forehead to the hair line. | Step 2 Slide behind ear. Keeping button depressed, lift probe from forehead, touch behind ear halfway down the mastoid process and slide down to the soft depression behind the earlobe. | Step 3 Release button and read. |
How to improve the accuracy of your measurements on adults
![]() | ||
Measure only the up-side on a patient in a lateral position. The down-side will be insulated preventing the heat from dissipating, resulting in falsely high readings. | Think of a sweatband. Measure straight across the forehead and not down the side of the face. At mid-line, the temporal artery is about 2 mm below the surface, but can go deeply below the surface on the side of the face. | Measure exposed skin. rush the hair and bangs aside if covering the area to be measured. |
Minimum measuring time: 2 seconds.
Minimum time between successive measurements: 30 seconds
FAQs
How does the temperature from a temporal scanner relate to core temperature? Temporal artery temperature is considered a core temperature because it has been demonstrated as accurate as the temperature measured by a pulmonary artery and esophageal catheter, and as accurate as a rectal temperature on a stable patient. Rule of thumb: Rectal temperature is about 1°F (0.5°C) higher than an oral temperature and 2°F (1°C) higher than an axillary temperature. It will be easy to remember if you think of core temperature as a rectal temperature, and apply the same protocol you would use for a rectal temperature. If your thermometer is marked Arterial/Oral and has a serial number beginning with “O” (standard model start with “A”), it is programmed to compute the normal average cooling effect at the mouth, and automatically reduces the higher arterial temperature by that amount. This calibration allows the hospital to maintain existing protocols for fever workups based on oral temperature, and results in a reading consistent with the 98.6°F (37°C) mean normal oral temperature, in the range of 96.6 - 99.5°F (35.9 - 37.5°C) you now see. What should I do if I get an abnormally high or low reading, how do I confirm my reading? • Repeat the reading with the same Temporal Scanner; a correct reading will be reproducible. • Repeat the reading with another Temporal Scanner. Two Temporal Scanners with the same reading will confirm the reading. • Sequential readings on the same patient in rapid succession will cool the skin; it is best to wait about 30 seconds for the skin to recover from the cold probe.
Possible causes of abnormal readings.
Type of abnormal Temperature | Possible cause | Helpful hint |
Abnormally low Temperature | Dirty Lens | Clean lens of scanner every two weeks. |
Releasing the button before finished | Release the button after finished measuring. | |
Measuring when an ice pack or wet compress is on the forehead | Remove ice pack or wet compress, wait 2 minutes, and re-take temperature. | |
Measuring a completely diaphoretic patient | Complete diaphoresis includes diaphoresis of area behind the ear and suggests that the temperature is rapidly dropping. Use an alternative method of temperature measurement in these cases until the patient is dry and the temporal artery measurement can be repeated. | |
Improperly scanning down the side of the face | Scan straight across forehead. The temporal artery is closest to skin in that area. | |
Abnormally high temperature | Anything covering the area to be measured would insulate and prevent heat from dissipating, resulting in false high readings. | Confirm measurement site has not recently been in contact with heat insulators such as hats, blankets, and hair. Scan the area not covered or wait about 30 seconds for the previously covered area to equilibrate to the environment. |
DISPLAY DIAGNOSTICS CHART
The following chart summarizes the conditions that may occur while the Temporal Scanner is in use, and the associated indications:
Condition | Display | Range |
High Target | HI | >110 OF (43 0C) |
Low Target | LO | <61 of (16 0C) |
High Ambient | HI A | >104 OF (40 0C) |
Low Ambient | LOA | <60 OF (16 0C) |
Low Battery | bAtt | |
No or Very Low Battery | blank display | |
Processing Error | Err | Restart. Return to Exergen for repair if error message persists. |
Scanning (Normal Operation) | _ _ _ _ |
Care and Maintenance
- Handling: The Temporal Scanner is designed and built to industrial durability standards in order to provide long and trouble-free service. However, it is also a high precision optical instrument, and should be accorded the same degree of care in handling as you would provide other precision optical instruments, such as cameras or otoscopes.
- Cleaning the case: The Temporal Scanner case can be wiped down using a cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol. The industrial grade housing and design of the electronic components allow for completely safe cleaning with 70% isopropyl alcohol but should not be immersed in fluid or autoclaved.