Accuracy of body temperature is paramount in diagnosing a patient's illness

**Exergen Corporation**

Few vital signs are as important as body temperature when it comes to determining the cause of a patient's condition or illness. Some diseases cause the body to become warmer than normal and some cause it to be cooler. Other times, the patient's body temperature will stay normal. For each of these scenarios, determining body temperature is a crucial first step when diagnosing a patient. We believe that the best way to do this is by using an accurate, noninvasive and easy to use thermometer.

Did you know the Exergen TemporalScanner, used in the majority of hospitals across the U.S., is designed by nurses - for nurses? At Exergen, we make it our mission to listen to your needs. We value your input because the more we learn from you, the more we can give you the tools to take the best possible care of your patients.

Last year, we wrote about why the Exergen TemporalScanner should be your go-to thermometer at work. This time, we talked to nurses from a variety of clinical settings all the time and wanted to share some of the most common questions and areas of concern that are raised about taking temperatures:

What is the most accurate way to measure temperature?

The temperature measured by a PA catheter, a long thin tube with a thermistor at its tip inserted through the blood vessels directly into the right chamber of the heart. It has long been considered the most accurate because it measures the temperature of the blood traveling up from the heart, unaffected by patient activity, the environment, or user technique. As such, it is an excellent reference for comparing accurate temperature.

Similarly, the temperature measured by the Exergen temporal artery thermometer has been found by numerous independent published studies to be as accurate as a PA catheter. Importantly, the temporal arteries are located directly below the skin - one on each side of the forehead, which can be gently scanned without fear of harming the patient. Moreover, the Exergen TA thermometer can be used on all ages, even preemies.

What concerns nurses the most when taking temperatures?

In a recent allnurses.com survey you told us that accuracy is your highest consideration when deciding what thermometer to use.

Over the years, many researchers were interested in the benefits of eliminating the invasive probe method of taking temperatures and in turn many conducted their own independent studies and published their results. As of 2017, there are more than 60 peer-reviewed published studies attesting to the accuracy of the Exergen TemporalScanner. These studies cover all patient ages from preemies to geriatrics, and virtually all healthcare settings. For a full list of studies: click here.

As with most tools, in order to get an accurate reading, you have to use the thermometer correctly. The Exergen website offers a Virtual Classroom where you can watch a brief training video to learn how to properly use the TemporalScanner. Watch the video below.

Doesn't the Exergen TemporalScanner cost a lot more than other thermometers?

Not at all! The Exergen TemporalScanner offers a 90 percent cost savings over other thermometers because it doesn't require the use of disposable covers (available if preferred), improves patient outcomes by accuracy of the measurement, reducing risk of cross contamination by thermometers and improves patient safety by eliminating probes inserted into body cavities.

What if I drop the TemporalScanner?

The Exergen TA thermometer has been designed to withstand heavy duty use, even if someone drops it. In the unlikely event the thermometer should break, it is fully protected by a Lifetime Warranty.

Is there a TemporalScanner for use by visiting or school nurses?

Yes, Exergen makes the TAT-2000, a professional, low cost model used by visiting nurses, nurses in small clinics, and in schools.

Is there a TemporalScanner that automatically sends data to Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems?

A: Yes, Exergen makes the TAT-5000S model that connects to many vital signs monitors and provides temperature data automatically to EMR systems.

Is there a TemporalScanner that people can use at home?

Yes, Exergen makes two models of the TemporalScanner for home use, available at major retailers nationwide. One, a basic model called the Exergen Original Temporal Artery Thermometer, and a model called the Exergen Smart Glow Temporal Artery Thermometer that includes features such as softly illuminated display for easy reading in any light, a beeping sound indicating scanning which can be turned off or on, and temperature memory which automatically retains the last eight temperature readings. As with all of our TemporalScanner Thermometers, both of our home models have the ability to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius modes.

For more information on how to use the Exergen TemporalScanner, watch this Exergen virtual classroom

For more information about the Exergen TemporalScanner visit Thermometers | Exergen Corporation. Contact Exergen at 1-800-422-3006 or [email protected] for purchasing information or any questions.

Dr. Marybeth Pompei, Chief Clinical Scientist at Exergen Corporation, nurse and innovator, has dedicated her career to ensuring nurses are presented with patented, non-invasive technology at the workplace, providing accuracy that is backed by science.