ThermoFlash LX-26 Medical Infrared No Contact Thermometer

I. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Follow the maintenance advice stipulated in this instruction manual.
• This device may be used for personal home use.
• This device must only be used for the purposes described in this instruction manual.
• This device must only be used in an ambient temperature range of between 10 and 40 °C.
• This device must always be kept in a clean, dry area.
• Do not expose this thermometer to electric shocks.
• Do not expose this thermometer to extreme temperature conditions of >50°C or < - 20°C.
• Do not use this device in relative humidity higher than 85%.
• The protective glass over the lens is the most fragile part of the thermometer.
• Do not touch the glass of the infrared lens with your fingers.
• Clean the glass with a cotton bud lightly moistened with 70° alcohol.
• Do not expose the thermometer to sunlight or to water.
• Do not use this device outside.
• Never drop the device.
• Should a problem occur with your device, please contact your retailer. Do not attempt to repair this device yourself.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

For your safety, ONLY use the charger supplied.

Do not dismantle the device or the rechargeable base station.

THE MANUFACTURER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE PRODUCT WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION

II. INTRODUCTION

The Visiomed ThermoFlash LX-26 thermometer without contact has been developed using the latest infrared technology. This technology allows temporal artery (TA) temperature to be taken at a distance of about 5cm away from the forehead. Precise, instantaneous, and contactless, the ThermoFlash LX-26 is, to date, the most suitable thermometer for risk-free temperature measurement. It has been demonstrated that this method of TA temperature measurement is more precise than tympanic thermometry and better tolerated than rectal thermometry (1).

However, as with other types of thermometer, it is essential to use the ThermoFlash LX-26 properly to obtain reliable and stable results. You are therefore advised to read this instruction manual and the safety precautions carefully before use.

(1) Greenes D, Fleisher G. Accuracy of a Noninvasive Temporal Artery Thermometer for Use in Infants. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2001;155:376.

III. PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USE

The ThermoFlash LX-26 is pre-set at the factory. It is not necessary to calibrate the device when starting it up.

In order to obtain reliable and stable results, you are advised, each time there is a significant change in the ambient temperature due to a change in environment, to allow the ThermoFlash LX-26 to acclimatise to this ambient temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before using it.

It is important to allow a one-minute interval between two measurements.

IV. OPERATING PRINCIPLE

All objects, solid, liquid, or gas, emit energy by radiation. The intensity of this energy depends on the temperature of the object. The ThermoFlash LX-26 infrared thermometer is therefore able to measure the temperature of a person by the energy the person emits. This measurement can be taken thanks to an external temperature probe on the device which permanently analyses and registers the ambient temperature. Therefore, as soon as the operator holds the thermometer near the body and activates the radiation sensor, the measurement is taken instantly by detection of the infrared heat generated by the arterial blood flow. Body heat can therefore be measured without any interference from the heat of the surrounding environment.

THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT

Core temperature

Core temperature is the most precise measurement and involves measuring the temperature in the pulmonary artery by means of a catheter equipped with a thermal probe which can read the temperature in situ. The same method is employed for probes measuring the oesophageal temperature. However, such invasive temperature measurement methods require specific equipment and expertise.

Rectal thermometry

Rectal temperature adjusts slowly in comparison to the evolution of the body's internal temperature. It has been demonstrated that rectal temperature remains raised long after the internal temperature of the patient has started to drop and vice versa. Furthermore, rectal perforations have been known to occur as a result of this method and without appropriate sterilisation techniques, rectal thermometry can spread germs often found in faeces.

Oral thermometry

Oral temperature is easily influenced by recent ingestion of food or drinks and by breathing through the mouth. To measure oral temperature, the mouth must remain closed and the tongue lowered for three to four minutes, which is a difficult task for young children to accomplish.

Axillary (armpit) temperature

Although it may be easy to measure axillary temperature, it has been proven that it does not provide an accurate measurement of the child's internal temperature. To take this type of temperature, the thermometer must be wedged tightly over the axillary artery. Despite the low sensitivity and relative inaccuracy of axillary temperature in detecting fever, this method is recommended by The American Academy of Pediatrics as a screening test for fever in newborns.

Tympanic thermometry

In order to obtain a precise temperature reading, good command of the measurement technique is required. The thermometer probe must be placed as close as possible to the warmest part of the external ear canal. An incorrectly placed probe could lead to a false temperature reading.

NORMAL TEMPERATURES ACCORDING TO MEASUREMENT METHOD

The temperature of the human body varies throughout the day. It can also be influenced by numerous external factors: age, sex, type and thickness of skin...

ADVANTAGES OF TEMPORAL ARTERY (TA) TEMPERATURE

Infrared arterial temperature can be measured using a device placed on the forehead, in the temporal artery region. It has been demonstrated that this relatively new method of measuring temperature is more precise than tympanic thermometry and better tolerated than rectal thermometry.

The ThermoFlash LX-26 thermometer has been designed to produce an instant forehead temperature reading without any contact with the temporal artery. As this artery is quite close to the surface of the skin and therefore accessible, and given the blood flow is permanent and regular, it allows precise measurement of the temperature. This artery is linked to the heart by the carotid artery which is directly linked to the aorta. It forms part of the main trunk of the arterial system. The efficiency, speed, and comfort of taking a temperature from this area make it ideal compared with other temperature measurement methods.

NORMAL TEMPERATURES ACCORDING TO AGE

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN TAKING A TEMPERATURE

• In order to ensure that precise and accurate temperature measurements are obtained, it is essential that each user has received adequate information on and training in the temperature measurement technique when using such a device.
• It is essential to remember that although procedures such as taking a temperature may be simple, they must not be trivialised.
• Temperature should be taken in a neutral context. The patient must not have undertaken vigorous physical activity prior to taking his/her temperature, and the room temperature must be moderate.
• Be aware of physiological variations in temperature which must be taken into consideration when evaluating the results: temperature increases by 0.5°C between 6 am and 3 pm. Women have a temperature that is higher, on average, by around 0.2°C. Their temperature also varies in accordance with their ovarian cycle. It rises by 0.5°C in the second half of the cycle and at the early stages of pregnancy.
• When sitting, temperature is lower by about 0.3 to 0.4°C than when standing.

HOW TO TAKE A TEMPERATURE

Aim at the FOREHEAD, over the right temporal region, from a distance of about 5cm. Press the thermometer's measurement button, and the temperature is instantly displayed.

Note: The reliability of the measurement cannot be guaranteed if the temperature is measured over another part of the body (e.g., arm, torso...).

CONSTRAINTS

Please observe the following before any temperature measurement to ensure a stable and reliable result:

• Push back hair from the forehead.
• Wipe away any perspiration from the forehead.
• Avoid any drafts (e.g., from nasal specs, air conditioning...).
• Allow a 1-minute interval between two measurements.
• Each time there is a significant change in the ambient temperature due to a change in environment, allow the ThermoFlash LX-26 to acclimatise to this ambient temperature for at least 15 minutes before using it.

V. DESCRIPTION OF THE ThermoFlash LX-26

LCD panel

Setting keys: Menu; +; -

Infrared Lens

Mesuring key

Battery compartment

[Image of the ThermoFlash LX-26 thermometer with labels pointing to its parts: LCD panel, Setting keys (Menu, -, +), Infrared Lens, Measuring key, Battery compartment.]

VI. FUNCTIONS

1. Specially designed to take the body temperature of a person regardless of the room temperature.
2. Quick and reliable results as it uses the HEIMMANN infrared detection system.
3. Sound alarm if temperature is exceeded.
4. Memorization of the 32 last measures.
5. LCD back-lighted digital screen.
6. Data displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
7. Automatic stop (energy saver).
8. Small, convenient, easy to use.

ADDITIONAL USES:

ThermoFlash LX-26 can also be used to measure the temperature of a baby-bottle or bath, or room temperature (by using the Surface Temp function). This function is in accordance with the Directive 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility.

VII. USE

1. Install battery.
2. For the first use or when inserting new batteries, wait between 10 minutes for the warm-up of the apparatus and when inserting the new batteries.
3. Aim towards the forehead (see the diagram below for the ThermoFlash positioning), from a distance of 5 cm (2 in). Press the measuring key; the temperature is displayed in 1 second. The temperature can also be taken behind the ear lobe.
4. Before taking the temperature, make sure to remove hair and perspiration from the forehead. You can also take the temperature behind the ear lobe.

[Diagram illustrating correct positioning of the ThermoFlash LX-26 for forehead temperature measurement.]

VIII. CONFIGURATION AND FUNCTION OF MENU

[Image showing the control buttons of the ThermoFlash LX-26: PROG.SETTING (Menu Button), -, + (Setting Keys)]

1. CHOOSING THE TEMPERATURE UNIT – F1 FUNCTION

Press PROG SETTING button for 3 seconds; the screen displays: F1. Select '-' for degrees Celsius, '+' for degrees Fahrenheit. Confirm by pressing PROG SETTING button.

2. ALARM SETUP – F2 MENU

Press PROG SETTING button for 3 seconds, the screen displays: F1. Press twice PROG SETTING button to get F2. Select '+' to increase the threshold by 0.1°C (0.1°F), '-' to reduce it by 0.1°C (0.1°F). Confirm by pressing PROG SETTING button.

Note: The alarm threshold default value is 38°C (100.4°F).

3. CHOICE OF DISPLAY MODE: BODY OR SURFACE TEMP – F3 MENU

The ThermoFlash LX-26 is specially designed to take the body temperature of a human being. For this, use the BODY mode. Measurement range for Body mode: 32°C – 42.9°C (90°F – 109°F).

You can also use the ThermoFlash LX-26 to measure the temperature of an area or an object, a food, a liquid, or a room temperature. For this, use the SURFACE TEMP mode. Measurement range for Surface TEMP mode: 0°C ~ 60°C (32°F - 140°F).

Press PROG SETTING button for 3 seconds, the screen displays: F1. Press PROG SETTING button twice to get F3. Select 0 by pressing '-' button to get the BODY mode. Select 1 by pressing '+' button to get the SURFACE TEMP mode. Confirm by pressing PROG SETTING button.

Note: The ThermoFlash LX-26 is automatically set to BODY.

Important: The area temperature differs from the internal body temperature. To obtain the internal temperature, always use the BODY mode. Please make sure to select the BODY mode for an internal temperature reading and the SURFACE TEMP mode for an external area reading (bottle, bath, room...).

4. TOTAL DIFFERENCE – F4 MENU

To adjust the total variation of your Thermoflash LX-26:

Press PROG SETTING button for 3 seconds, the screen displays: F1. Press PROG SETTING button three times to get F4. Select '+' to increase the difference by 0.1°C (0.1°F), '-' to reduce it by 0.1°C (0.1°F). Confirm by pressing PROG SETTING button.

If in doubt, you are advised to leave the total variance at +0.8°C (original setting).

Each time there is a significant change in the ambient temperature due to a change in environment, allow the ThermoFlash LX-26 to acclimatise to this ambient temperature for at least 15 minutes before using it.

5. BUZZER ON/OFF – F5 MENU

Press PROG SETTING button for 3 seconds, the screen displays: F1. Press four times PROG SETTING button to get F5. Select '+' to open the buzzer (a sound icon ? is displayed on the LCD screen), press '-' to stop it (the icon disappears). Confirm by pressing PROG SETTING button.

6. EXITING THE SETTING MODE

Press PROG SETTING button until the screen turns off.

7. DATA MEMORY

To display the last temperature measurement, press simultaneously the '-' and '+' button. You will obtain the last temperature measurement. To switch on the last measurement, press the '+' button. The number indicated in interval of two measures corresponds to the number of measurements. Press on the button '-' for review. To exit data memory, press the measure key. The Thermoflash switches off in 5 seconds.

IX. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. Normal conditions of use: Operating temperature: 10° C ~ 40° C (50° ~ 140° F). Humidity rate: ≤ 85%
2. Power: DC3 V (2 batteries AA)
3. Size: 196 x 150 x 50 mm – 7.7 x 5.9 x 1.9 in (L x W x H)
4. Weight: 220g
5. Display Resolution: 0.1° C (0.1°F)
6. Measuring range: In body mode: 32°C – 42.9°C (90°F – 109°F). In Surface Temp mode: 0°C ~ 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
7. Precision: From 36°C to 39°C (96.8°F to 102.2°F) = +/-0.2°C/F
8. Consumption: ≤ 50mW
9. Accuracy: ± 0.3° C (0.54° F)
10. Measuring distance: 5 cm – 8 cm (2 in – 3.14 in)
11. Automatic stop: 5 sec.

THERMOFLASH PRECISION

The ThermoFlash LX-26 can take temperature readings below 32°C or above 42.9°C (90°F to 109°F), but precision is not guaranteed outside of this range.

LONGEVITY USE

The ThermoFlash is guaranteed for 40.000 readings.

X. ADVICE

• The protective glass over the lens is the most important and fragile part of the thermometer; please take great care of it.
• Clean the glass with cotton fabric, wet with water or 70° alcohol.
• Do not use other batteries than mentioned batteries, do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries, do not throw in fire.
• Remove the batteries when the thermometer is not used for an extended period of time.
• Do not expose the thermometer to sunlight or water.
• An impact will damage the product.

XI. ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED

• User Manual in English
• Fast learning user manual
• Guarantee card
• Carrying bag
• Batteries supplied (AA)

XII. TROUBLESHOOTING

If you have one of the following problems while using your ThermoFlash, please refer to this breakdown service guide to help resolve the problem. If the problem persists, please contact our customer service at contact.us@visiomed-lab.com.

THE SCREEN DISPLAYS TEMPERATURE SUPERIOR TO 95°

The temperature is in Fahrenheit. Change the measurement to Celsius (by pressing the Program Setting button to get the F1 function key).

THE SCREEN DISPLAYS THE BODY TEMPERATURE INFERIOR TO 32°C (89.6°F)

To take a body temperature, the function key F3 must be on Body mode. If you're on Surface Temp mode, the 32°C (89.6°F) temperature displayed is showing the external temperature that your body releases.

THE SCREEN DISPLAYS THE MESSAGE HI

[Image of the ThermoFlash LX-26 displaying "HI" on its screen.]

When using the ThermoFlash LX-26, the message HI can show on the screen. The analysis is above the measurement range selected, either superior to 42.9°C (109°F) in Body Mode or superior to 60°C (140°F) in Surface Temp Mode.

THE SCREEN DISPLAYS THE MESSAGE LO

[Image of the ThermoFlash LX-26 displaying "Lo" on its screen.]

When using the ThermoFlash LX-26, the message Lo can show on the screen. The temperature analyzed is under the measuring range selected, either less than 32°C (90°F) in Body Mode or less than 0°C (32°F) in Surface Temp Mode.

This message displays in various cases - please find below a list of the main cases: