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How do ear temperatures compare to those taken at other body sites?
The goal of thermometry is to measure core body temperature, which is the temperature of the vital organs such as heart and brain. These sites are not easily accessible for temperature measurement at home or in a doctor' s office. This is why other, more accessible sites for temperature measurement have been identified. In a non-critical medical setting, or at home, temperatures are commonly taken at the following body sites: axilla (underarm), mouth, rectum, temple / forehead and ear. Ear temperatures accurately reflect core body temperature, since the eardrum shares blood supply with the temperature control center in the brain, the hypothalamus. Therefore, changes in body temperature are reflected sooner and more accurately in the ear than at other sites.
- Oral temperatures are influenced by drinking, eating and breathing.
- Rectal temperatures lag behind changes in core body temperature and there is a risk of cross-contamination.
- Skin temperatures, measured under the arm or at the forehead, are not always reliable indicators of core body temperature, especially during those critical times when core body temperature is increasing or decreasing. This is because the skin is a tool the body uses to control core body temperature. For example, when fever is increasing people are likely to react by shivering and drawing in heat from the increase core body temperature. Skin temperatures are further influenced by factors such as fever lowering medication, clothing and external temperature.
How does the ear thermometer (ThermoScan) compare to other types of thermometers?
Braun ThermoScan offers certain advantages over mercury-glass thermometers and electronic digital thermometers. It measures the temperature within seconds and the risk of transferring germs from one user to another is virtually eliminated through the use of disposable lens filters.
In conclusion: Braun ThermoScan is accurate, fast and safe.
What's the reason for different readings between right and left ear of the same person?
Although it is not uncommon for a person's temperature in the right ear to be slightly different than in the left ear, larger differences are normally due to technique. A different placement of the thermometer in the left and the right ear may cause varying results, as well as external factors like lying on one ear or have one ear covered and not the other.
Does ear-wax influence the accuracy of Braun ThermoScan?
No, it does not. Clinical tests have proven that normal levels of ear-wax have no significant impact on temperature readings with the Braun ThermoScan.
Why do different readings emerge between two Braun ThermoScan devices?
As with any temperature taking method, proper positioning and technique are necessary to obtain accurate measurements. A different placement of the two thermometers while taking the temperatures may cause varying results, as well as external factors which influence ear temperature itself.
Why does one sometimes obtain different readings when taking several temperatures within a short period of time?
With any type of thermometer, slight temperature variations can occur between readings. These variations are usually not apparent with traditional methods, as the temperature is only measured once and not repeated. However, a common reason for non-repeatable readings is technique. The lens of the thermometer must be aimed with a clear view of the eardrum. For proper placement, it is very important to use the dominant hand to hold the thermometer and take the temperature in the corresponding ear (i.e. right handed person uses right hand and places the thermometer in the right ear).
Moreover, you should not take more than three consecutive readings with the highest reading being the most accurate. The ear canal will cool with repeated measurements similar to how your hand will cool holding a glass of cool water. If several measurements have been taken, wait at least two minutes before taking another temperature. If proper and consistent technique is used and the thermometer lens is clean the temperature should not vary more than ± 0,2 °C.
Why do temperature readings obtained at different body sites vary from one another?
Normal body temperature is a range, which also varies by site of measurement (see the following table). Readings taken under the arm are often lower and those taken in the rectum are often higher than ear temperatures. Therefore, readings from different sites should not be directly compared. If you communicate a Braun ThermoScan temperature reading to a doctor, indicate that this is an ear temperature.
Normal ranges by site:
Axillary¹ 34.7 - 37.3 °C / 94.5 - 99.1 °F
Oral¹ 35.5 - 37.5 °C / 95.9 - 99.5 °F
Rectal¹ 36.6 - 38.0 °C / 97.9 - 100.4 °F
ThermoScan² 35.8 - 38.0 °C / 96.4 - 100.4 °F
¹ Chamberlain, J.M., Terndrup, T.E., New Light on Thermometer Readings, Contemporary Pediatrics, March 1994.
² Chamberlain, J.M., et al., Determination of Normal Ear Temperature with an Infrared Emission Detection Thermometer, Annals of Emergency Medicine, January 1995.
So, each site has its own range of normal body temperature and tracks changes in core body temperature at a different rate.
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Why do I get readings below 36 or 35 ºC?
It could be that your temperature is in fact below 36 or 35 ºC, so you should ask your doctor. Note that the use of Braun ThermoScan is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your physician.
However, there are some factors that may cause low readings:
- A dirty or damaged window (see cleaning instructions) - Dirt on or damage to the lens can affect the accuracy of the thermometer. Inspect the lens: it should be flat and smooth without dents or scratches. If it is damaged, the thermometer must be serviced.
- A dirty lens filter or probe cover.
- A damaged Braun ThermoScan.
- You may not have used proper technique.
- A low reading must be compared to correct range of normal for the site. For example, the ear temperature will seem low if using the rectal site as a frame of reference.
- If the temperature is low compared to rectal it may be due to the lag time associated with rectal temperatures. "Rectal responses to rapidly increasing or decreasing body temperature are slow and may both over- and underestimate actual temperature." ³ The patient may have been given a medication to lower temperature which could reduce ear temperature faster than rectal temperature.
- Check to see if more than one lens filter or probe cover is installed.
- Extreme ambient temperatures or bathing and swimming may cause lower readings. Allow 20 minutes for patient to stabilize before taking temperature.
- A healthy baseline should be established so an individual can use their normal range as a reference point when consulting a physician about fever.
³ Terndrup, T.E., An Appraisal of Temperature Assessment by Infrared Emission Detection Tympanic Thermometry, Annals of Emergency Medicine, December, 1992.
Why do I get readings above 37 ºC?
It could be that your temperature is in fact above 37 ºC, so you should ask your doctor. Note that the use of Braun ThermoScan is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your physician.
However, there are some factors that may cause high readings:
- You have not used a lens filter / probe cover.
- A damaged lens window.
- A damaged Braun ThermoScan.
- A high reading must be compared to correct range of normal for the site. For example, the ear temperature will seem high if using the axillary site as a frame of reference.
- If the temperature is high compared to rectal it may be due to the lag time associated with rectal temperatures. "Rectal responses to rapidly increasing or decreasing body temperature are slow and may both over- and underestimate actual temperature."(4)
- Other conditions that may cause high readings are extreme agitation, warm or hot clothing, very recent exercise or extreme ambient temperatures; we recommend waiting 20 minutes for patient to stabilize before taking temperature.
- A healthy baseline should be established so an individual can use its normal range as a reference point when consulting a physician about fever
(4) Terndrup, T.E., An Appraisal of Temperature Assessment by Infrared Emission Detection Tympanic Thermometry, Annals of Emergency Medicine, December, 1992.
If it is true that ear thermometers are so accurate, why don't we know this already? Why don't we read about it? Why don't doctors know?
Measuring body temperature in the ear using infrared technology is a relatively new method, and was first introduced in 1990 in the USA. Generations of consumers and medical professionals are used to glass mercury, digital or electronic predictive thermometers. We are addressing a huge target group: nurses, doctors and parents, and at present not everybody is yet informed about ear thermometry.
But this is changing and news about the speed and convenience of ThermoScan is growing.
Is one second really long enough to take an accurate temperature?
Yes, it is, because ThermoScan measures infrared heat. The eardrum and surrounding tissue continually emit infrared heat. Braun ThermoScan uses a high quality sensor system to measure this. A micro-controller then "translates" this information into the figures on the LCD-screen. This process only takes one second.
Traditional thermometers, such as glass mercury or digital, take longer since the thermometer must first reach the same temperature as its "environment" (the mouth, axilla or rectum) which takes time.
Are ear thermometers accurate?
The ear temperature measured with Braun ThermoScan is an excellent indicator of changes in core body temperature. Since their introduction, more than 30 clinical studies have been performed to verify the accuracy of the ThermoScan ear thermometer. Studies have been conducted both in adult and pediatric intensive care units, post-anesthesia units and doctors' offices. Ear temperatures have been compared to core body temperatures measured in the pulmonary artery, bladder and esophagus, and with contact tympanic membrane temperatures. However, as with any thermometer, proper technique is the key to obtain accurate readings. Therefore please take the time to read the manual.
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