Temporal Artery Thermometer Consumer Information Center Model TAT-2000C

In investigation of the validity of the temporal artery area as a temperature meadurement site, serval hundred subjects were thermographed for observation of the therm al dynamics present, using a high resolution infrared thermal imaging camera. Examples are presented here in support of the method, as they graphically depict the various perfusion patterns encountered using the temporal artery method of temperture assessment. An acronym, Roy G Biv, designates the colors in decending order of heat: VASODILATION Figures 1 and 2 illustrate vasodilation, as evidenced by the red areas Note the domination of the temporal artery. Vasodilation is the condition under which the neck and the area behind the ear exhibit the perfusion necessary for the measurement as well as the temporal artery area, The high rate of perfusion in the neck area is of interest as it allows the area to be used as an alternate temperature measurement site when the temporal artery area is not easily accessible; for example, in the presence of head trauma, dressings, or excoriation of forhead conditions normally sustaining a highrate of rfusion In infants, the normal rate of perfusion is high, evidenced by the large red area on the infant's head in Figure 3. Both father and infant had just entered from the cold outdoors, accounting for the blue color of the infrant's nose and ears, and the father's ear and hair. Only a short time inside, it is of interest that the TA area has already equilbrated, showing no effect from the cold, and in asusstatially shorter tome than would be possible with other temperature measurem ent sites. This is a significant benefit for emergency medicine and ambulatory care areas where temperatures are frequently taken immdiately, as a cold environment can eaily mask a fever with other ther mometrymethods. VASOCONSTRICTION The father in Figure 3 is vasoconstricted, however, there is sufficient perfussion at the temporal artery area to make the measurement, as evidenced by the neck area. When vasodilation is not present, the perfusion rate behind the ear is too low and variable to give an accurate an accurate measurement. VASODILATION Figures 1 and 2 illustrate vasodilation, as evidenced by the red areas Note the domination of the temporal artery. Vasodilation is the condition under which the neck and the area behind the ear exhibit the perfusion necessary for the measurement as well as the temporal artery area NOROMOTHERMIA Figures 5 and 6 illustrate normothermia. The expected pattern of symmetry, and variable perfusion pattern in the neck area are visible on the boy. A normal pattern of perfussion at the temporal artery is evidenced in the lateral view of the woman. Note the complete absence of vasible heat at the ears of both subjects and onthe neck area of the woman FEVER The twin girls in Figure 7 illustrate totall different thermal patterns. The twin on the left presented with a noraml 37.2 C(98.9 F) b ody temperature and feeling fine, but the twin on the right presented with a 39.2 C (102.5 F) fever, and complaining of headache and a very sore throat.   EXXERGEN CORPORATION # 51 WATER STREET # WATER TOWN, MA # 02472 # PH 617.923,9900# WWW.EXERGEN.COM Download this file in PDF format If you do not have Acrobat Reader, click on the icon to download before proceeding. The above videos are enabled for immediate viewing. Just click the above links. Should you have trouble viewing these videos, or if your browser prompts you to download a plug-in, click on the Real Icon left to download Real Player 7 Basic.