The Heat is On: Why the Temporal Artery Thermometer Should Be Your "Go-To"

**Exergen Corporation**

With nurses on the front line of patient care, evaluating vital signs is the first step in making the right diagnosis. There are several types of thermometers to consider and the decision ultimately boils down to which thermometer you can rely on to get the quickest, most convenient and most accurate reading - every time. We understand that many, but not all, nurses are using the Exergen TemporalScanner at work - even though it is the most convenient, easy to use, non-invasive and proven accurate thermometer available. If you're not, here are some reasons why it should be your top choice:

Accuracy Backed By Science

In a recent survey of the allnurses.com membership, you told us that accuracy is your highest consideration when deciding what thermometer to use. How do you know which thermometer gives the most accurate reading? By understanding the science. No other thermometer has the body of scientific support behind it than the TemporalScanner.

There are more than 55-published peer reviewed clinical studies supporting the Exergen TemporalScanner's accuracy across all ages from preterm infants and babies to adults and geriatric patients. Here are some highlights:

A study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing favorably compares the temporal artery and axillary temperatures in healthy newborns. [1]
A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing compares temporal artery to rectal temperature measurements in children up to 24-months with a positive outcome.[2]
A study in Oncology Nurse Advisor recommends use of the professional temporal thermometer in adults.[3]
A comparison of temporal artery to mercury and digital temperature measurement in pediatrics published in the International Emergency Nurse.[4]
A study in the Journal of Emergency Nurse determines temporal artery temperatures are accurate enough to replace rectal temperature measurement in pediatric patients.[5]

These studies and 50 more mean that you can be more confident of the temporal artery thermometer's accuracy than that of any other thermometer.

How Our Temporal Artery Thermometer Works

As you may know, the best place to measure temperature is the center of the heart. The temporal artery is connected to the heart via the carotid artery, directly leading from the aorta, the main trunk of the arterial system. The temporal artery is located at the front portion of the forehead and is the only artery positioned close enough to the skin surface to provide access needed, and constant perfusion necessary to take an accurate measurement.

Gently Stroke The Temporal Thermometer Across Forehead

As you gently stroke the temporal artery thermometer across the forehead, it crosses over the temporal artery. The sensor in its probe does two things:

Scans like a video camera, capturing naturally emitted infrared heat from the arterial blood supply at about 1,000 "frames" per second, locking in the highest temperature it senses.
Measures the surrounding area temperature of the site where the temperature is being taken.

The patented "arterial heat balance" (AHB) software then synthesizes the two separate readings to accurately determine and display the body temperature.

Temporal artery temperature is not affected by the things that can cause oral and underarm temperatures to be misleading. Drinking, coughing, talking or breathing through the mouth can easily affect oral temperature. Skin blood flow changes from a fever can easily affect axillary temperature accuracy. None of these interfere with getting an accurate reading from a temporal scanner.

Dr. Marybeth Pompei, Chief Clinical Scientist At Exergen Corporation, On Proper Use

The single most important thing to ensure accuracy is to use the thermometer correctly. The Exergen website offers a Virtual Classroom where nurses can watch a brief training video to learn how to take a consistent and accurate reading with the TemporalScanner. The website also addresses what factors might be causing inconsistent results. Also available are extensive clinical resource materials and links to clinical studies.

Patient Comfort Matters: Fast and Non-Invasive

You told us that second to accuracy, what matters most to you in a thermometer is ease of use with your patients. Since the temporal artery thermometer gives a reading with just a swipe across the forehead, you don't have to wake or disturb a sleeping patient to take their temperature. This is particularly helpful when you need to take the temperature of a sleeping baby, child or an elderly patient.

Valuable Cost Savings: Guaranteed For Life

Are you satisfied with the thermometer you're using at work? If not, speak up! It may be that your purchasing department or supervisor might not know how cost-effective the TemporalScanner is - and if they did, they might thank you! The Exergen TemporalScanner offers a 90 percent cost savings over other thermometers because it doesn't require the use of disposable covers (they are optional). The vast majority of hospitals have approved the use of an alcohol or other hospital approved disinfectant wipe of the probe head between patients. The Exergen TemporalScanner has a lifetime warranty which covers the entire instrument and includes all repair charges, making it a smart investment for your purchasing department or supervisor, and a successful cost saving measure credited to you for suggesting it.

Take These Benefits Home

Exergen markets two models of the TemporalScanner: a professional version used in doctor's offices, hospitals and other clinical settings, and a consumer model sold in major retailers nationwide. Between the two, more than one billion temperatures are taken with the Exergen TemporalScanner each year!

For more information about the Exergen TemporalScanner visit www.exergen.com. Contact Exergen at 1-800-422-3006