EXERGEN TAT-5000S-RS232 Series Infrared Thermometer

Product Specifications

• Product Name: TemporalScanner TAT-5000S-RS232 Series
• Manufacturer: Exergen
• Model Number: TAT-5000S-RS232
• Temperature Assessment Method: Infrared scanning of the temporal artery
• Additional Feature: Patented arterial heat balance system
• Compatibility: Not for use aboard aircraft or near High Frequency Surgical Equipment or Radio Frequency shielded rooms

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Instructions:
Before using the TemporalScanner TAT-5000S-RS232 Series, carefully read all safety instructions provided in the manual.

• Avoid using the thermometer near high-frequency surgical Equipment or radio-frequency shielded rooms.
• Do not stack or use the thermometer adjacent to incompatible equipment.
• Use only the specified accessories, transducers, and cables provided by the manufacturer.
• Maintain a distance of at least 30 cm between portable RF communications equipment and the thermometer.

Product Overview:

• The TemporalScanner TAT-5000S-RS232 Series is designed for accurate and non-invasive temperature assessment by scanning the temporal artery.
• For more detailed information, refer to the provided compendium on Temporal Artery Temperature Assessment and clinical studies available on the manufacturer’s website.

How to Use:

1. Ensure the thermometer is clean and undamaged before use.
2. Place the thermometer near the patient’s forehead.
3. Press the scan button to initiate the temperature assessment.
4. Wait for the reading to display on the screen.
5. Record the temperature reading if necessary.

Maintenance:
After each use, clean the thermometer according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure accurate readings and longevity of the device.

INTRODUCTION

• The TemporalScanner is an infrared thermometer designed for accurate, completely non-invasive temperature assessment by scanning the temporal artery (TA).
• Temperature is measured by gently stroking the TemporalScanner 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 measurement. The TemporalScanner 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 70 peer-reviewed published studies covering all ages from premature infants to geriatrics in all clinical care areas. It is a superior method for patients and clinicians 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 multilingual 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 TemporalScanner 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 multiple readings during the step of scanning step. 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 are 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 provide 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 16 to 40°C (61 to 104°F).
  • Always store this thermometer in a clean, dry place where it will not become excessively cold (-20°C/-4°F), or hot (50°C/ 122°F), 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 the 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.
  • Do not use corrosive substances on the thermometer.
  • 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 the use or care of the thermometer, please see www.exergen.com or call customer service at 617-923-9900.
    SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
• 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.

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 temperatures.
  • To Retain or Lock Reading: The reading will remain on the display for 30 seconds after the 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 the temporal artery or behind the ear are unavailable:
  • Femoral artery: Slowly slide the probe across the groin.
  • Lateral thoracic artery: slowly scan side-to-side in the area ~midway between the axilla and the nipple.
• Let the instrument acclimate for at least 10 minutes in the area in which it will be used.

  

2-Step Infant Temperature Measurement

• Step 1
  Place the probe flush on the center of the forehead and depress the button. Keeping the button depressed, slowly slide the probe midline across the forehead to the hairline.

  

• Step 2
  Release the button, remove it from the 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 the side of the face. At midline, 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. The measurement site must be exposed.

  

3-Step Adult Temperature Measurement

• Step 1
  Slide across forehead. Place the probe flush on the center of the forehead and depress the button. Keeping the button depressed, slowly slide the probe midline across the forehead to the hairline.

  

• Step 2
  Slide behind the 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 the button, remove frthe om head, and read.

  

How to improve the accuracy of your measurements on adults. 

• Measure only tupper sideofofon a patient in a lateral position. The downside 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 midline, 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.
  Brush the hair and bangs aside if covering the area to be measured.

  

Possible causes of abnormal readings.

Care and Maintenance

• Handling: The TemporalScanner is designed and built to industrial durability standards 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 TemporalScanner 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.
• Cleaning the sensor lens: With normal use, the only maintenance required is to keep the lens on the end of the probe clean. It is made of special mirror-like, silicon infrared-transmitting material. However, dirt, greasy films, or moisture on the lens will interfere with the passage of infrared heat and affect the accuracy of the instrument. Regularly clean the lens with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, according to the instructions on the instrument (see below). Use only light force for cleaning to avoid damaging the lens. Water can be used to remove any residual film left by the alcohol. Do not use bleach or other cleaning solutions on the sensor lens.

  

• Sterilization: Sterilization is not recommended for cabled versions of the Temporal Scanner.
• Calibration: Factory calibration data is installed via a computer that communicates with the TemporalScanner’s microprocessor. The instrument automatically self-calibrates each time it is turned on using this data, and will never require recalibration. If readings are not correct, the instrument should be returned for repair.
• Battery: A standard alkaline 9V battery provides approximately 15,000 readings.* To replace, insert the end of a bent paper clip into the pinhole on the side of the unit to release the battery compartment door. Disconnect the old battery and replace with a new one in the same location. Replace the cover. Use only high quality alkaline batteries.
  * Approximate number of readings when scanning for 5 seconds and reading the temperature display for 3 seconds before turning thermometer off.

  

Display Diagnostics Chart

The following chart summarizes the conditions that may occur while the TemporalScanner is in use, and the associated indications:

Fahrenheit or Celsius Conversion

The TemporalScanner can be used in either °F or °C. To convert from one scale to the other, the only tools necessary are a paper clip and the tip of a small screwdriver.

For °F/°C Conversion:

• Insert the end of a bent paper clip into the pinhole on the side to release and remove the cover. Remove the battery from the compartment.
• Locate the switch, and with the tip of a screwdriver, slide left or right to the opposite position.
• Remove the screwdriver.
• Replace the cover.

  

Guidance and Manufacturer’s Declaration-Electromagnetic Emissions

Guidance and manufacturer’s declaration- electromagnetic immunity

Guidance and Manufacturer’s Declaration-Electromagnetic Immunity (cont)

Recommended separation distances between portable and mobile RF communication equipment and the TAT-5000S Series

Repair

If repair is required, please go to our website at www.exergen.com/rma to request a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. You will receive an email response with an RMA number and instructions on where to return your unit. Alternatively, you may contact Exergen customer service at 617-923-9900 or service@exergen.com or contact your local distributor.

Specification

TAT-5000S-RS232 QR Cable Replacement

1. Bend one leg of a paper clip and insert it into the hole in the side of the plastic housing. Push to release the battery cover, then move the battery out of the way.

   

2. Depress the black release button and remove the cable while holding the release button down.

   

3. Orient the cable plug properly for a proper fit into the receptacle hole and install the replacement cable.

   

4. Replace the battery in the compartment. Reinstall bathe battery cover.

   

Verification Testing

• All Exergen infrared thermometers are designed to permanently maintain their accuracy, and any,d normal recalibration is not required unless the thermometer has been physically damaged or experiences component failure. In the unlikely event recalibration might be required, the thermometer must be returned to Exergen for the procedure.
• However, calibration can be verified in the lab or clinical units quite easily using Exergen calibration kits.
  See: https://www.exergen.com/professional-medical-products/products/calibration-verification-kit and: https://www.exergen.com/professional-medical-products/products/professional-product-manuals

Disposable Caps
Disposable caps, which can be used once and discarded, or reused on the same patient are available for all levels of cross-contamination protection should they be preferred for certain patient populations, and are still very cost effective..

Using the Disposable Caps:

1. Apply the cap by pushing it onto the probe head with your fingers.
2. Remove the cap by pushing the edge forward with your thumb.
3. Caps may be reused on the same patient.

   

SYMBOLOGY

The CLINICAL THERMOMETER is an ADJUSTED MODE CLINICAL THERMOMETER.
The correction method is proprietary. Laboratory testing protocol for laboratory accuracy is available upon request.
If you have any issues or concerns,  please contact Exergen service@exergen.com or the local Competent Authority.

ABOUT COMPANY

• EXERGEN CORPORATION
• 400 PLEASANT STREET WATERTOWN, MA 02472
• PH 617-923-9900
• www.exergen.com

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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 to be 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 0.5°C (1°F) higher than an oral temperature and 1°C (2°F) 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 models start with “A”), it is programmed to compute the normal average cooling effect at 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 37°C (98.6°F) mean normal oral temperature, in the range of 35.9 – 37.5°C (96.6 – 99.5°F) 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.

Documents / Resources

EXERGEN TAT-5000S-RS232 Series Infrared Thermometer [pdf] Instruction Manual TAT-5000S-RS232 Series Infrared Thermometer, TAT-5000S-RS232 Series, Infrared Thermometer, Thermometer

References

• User Manual