New Gold Standard in Thermometry Favors the Patient: Accurate Reading, Noninvasive Device -November 1, 1999

Boston, Mass - Exergen Corporation announces it has made its TemporalScannerT Temporal Artery Thermometer available for use in hospitals worldwide. The patented, clinically proven TemporalScanner has been heralded as a viable, noninvasive alternative to rectal temperature readings, and clinical data suggest it is even better. Temporal artery thermometry has compelling advantages over traditional methods, including extraordinary speed, safety, comfort, lower cost, and greater accuracy. With these advantages, it has the potential to become the preferred method for clinicians as they become more familiar with and confident of its efficacy. The available models include one designed for heavy-duty hospital use, one designed to meet the demanding requirements of neonatal intensive care, and one optimized for use in clinics and physician practices. Completing the system, Exergen has partnered with Philips, one of the world's largest companies, in developing a unique model designed for home use. The TemporalScanner Thermometer is based on infrared readings of temporal artery blood flow. The temporal artery, a branch of the internal carotid artery, course within a millimeter or two of the skin's surface and presents an optimal area to detect the body's temperature. The temporal artery responds far faster than the rectal area to changes in the patient temperature, presents no risk to patient or clinician, and is readily accessible and suitable for all ages. Temperature is measured by gently stroking the TemporalScanner across the forehead, and includes a momentary touch behind the earlobe to account for any cooling of the forehead as a result of perspiration. The patented arterial heat balance (AHB) in the TemporalScanner automatically makes two separate temperature measurements during a scan: the skin over the artery, and the environment. It then calculated how much the blood has cools since leaving the heart, and adjust for that loss, providing a body temperature more accurate than any other commonly used clinical method. "If a patient is sleeping or shouldn't be disturbed, the TemporalScanner is an ideal way to determine patient temperature quickly and accurately," Exergen Vice President Marybeth Pompei adds. "We have defined what should be considered the gold standard in thermometry, maintaining an accurate reading as a priority, while assuring patient comfort." And patients and loved ones have responded positively to this noninvasive alternative, "it's one less thing that will hurt him," the mother of a young cancer patient says. "it's just wonderful." Exergen Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of an extensive line of infrared thermometers, sensors, and scanners for industrial and medical applications. Exergen's unique, patented technologies set the standard for non-contact infrared temperature measurement throughout a wide range of medical applications. All products are designed and manufactured by Exergen in the United States. For more information on the TemporalScanner Temporal Artery Thermometer, or to learn about Exergen Corporation, please contact Marybeth Pompei at (617)-923-9900.