WATERTOWN, Mass., Nov 16, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — “Temporal artery thermometry is an effective screening tool in identifying fever in children one to four years of age,” according to a recent study published in the journal Clinical Pediatrics. The study investigated the sensitivity and specificity of scanning the forehead area to detect temporal artery temperature, as a substitute for rectal temperatures in children 1-4 years old.

“This independent research validates our findings about the accuracy of determining fever by measuring the temporal artery temperature,” said Francesco Pompei, Ph.D., CEO of Exergen Corporation. “Exergen's patented TemporalScanner(TM) Thermometer was developed in response to healthcare providers' need for a noninvasive, accurate method of thermometry that was suitable for all ages.” Young children typically aren't able to comply with the procedures required to obtain temperature readings with oral thermometers so they often are subject to rectal thermometry, which is uncomfortable for them, their parents and healthcare workers. The study was done to determine if the temporal artery scanning method was a viable alternative. The research was conducted at Medical University of South Carolina – Children's Hospital, Charleston, SC, one of America's Best Hospitals according to US News and World Report. The Exergen TemporalScanner model TAT-5000 was used. The device uses infrared technology to detect the heat emitted from the skin surface as it scans the temporal artery on the forehead. An arterial heat balance system adjusts for the effects of the skin temperature to produce a temporal artery reading.

The study authors were M. Olivia Titus, MD, Thomas Hulsey, MSPH, ScD, Julie Heckman, RN, and Joseph D. Losek, MD. The authors are not affiliated with Exergen and none received compensation from the company for conducting the research.

“Exergen's infrared temporal artery thermometer is the most accurate and least invasive product on the market and provides temperature readings in just two seconds,” said Dr. Pompei. “With a gentle scan of the forehead the instrument captures the naturally emitted heat from the skin over the temporal artery.” Exergen Corporation is recognized worldwide as an innovator and leading manufacturer of patented infrared thermometers, scanners, sensors and controls.

Its products are used in a wide variety of industrial and medical applications for both professionals and consumers. For additional information, visit www.exergen.com.