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User Guide & Troubleshooting
This trouble shooting guide is intended Exergen thermometer owners to learn how to use and maintain their thermometers for home use. This includes battery life, thermometer cleaning and maintenance, and other common issues.
Intended Use:
The Exergen TemporalScanner is a handheld infrared thermometer used by medical professionals for the intermittent measurement of human body temperature of people of all ages by scanning the forehead skin over the temporal artery. Intended users are physicians, nurses, and nursing assistants at all levels who normally provide patient care. The thermometer provides a peak temperature reading from plural readings while scanning. Electronic circuitry processes the measured peak temperature to provide a temperature display based on a model of heat balance relative to a detected arterial temperature, the electronic circuitry computing an internal temperature of the body as a function of ambient temperature (Ta) and sensed surface temperature.
TAT-5000 Series thermometers are used by medical professionals in clinical environments. Such medical professionals include physicians, nurses, nurses’ aides, patient care technicians, and others trained to take the temperature of patients. Clinical environments include areas where medical professionals provide medical services for patients, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, primary care offices, and other settings where the temperature is taken as part of patient care. Clinical environments include Emergency Medical Services environments.
Additionally, the TAT-5000 series thermometers are not for use aboard aircraft or near High-Frequency Surgical Equipment or Radio Frequency shielded rooms, such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) areas.
Basic Safety Precautions
When using the product, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:
- Use this product only for its intended use as described in this trouble shooting manual.
- Do not take temperature over scar tissue, open sores, or abrasions.
- The operating environmental temperature range for this product is 60° to 104°F (15.5° to 40°C).
- Always store and transport this thermometer in a clean, dry place where it will not become excessively cold (-4°F/-20°C) or hot (122°F/50°C). Relative humidity 93% maximum non-condensing. Atmospheric pressure 50 kPa to 106 kPa.
- The thermometer is not shockproof. Do not drop it or expose it to electrical shocks.
- Do not autoclave. Please note the cleaning procedures in this manual.
- Do not use this thermometer if it is not working properly or has been exposed to temperature extremes, damaged, subjected to electrical shocks or immersed in water.
- There are no parts you can service yourself except for the battery, which you should replace when low by following the instructions in this manual. For service, repair, or adjustments, return your thermometer to Exergen. Warning: No modification of this equipment is allowed.
- Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
- If your thermometer is not used regularly, remove the battery to prevent possible damage due to chemical leakage.
- Follow the battery manufacturer’s recommendations or your hospital policy for the disposal of used batteries.
- Not suitable for use in the presence of flammable anaesthetic mixtures.
- If the device fails to operate as described above, see the FAQ section of this manual. Additionally, ensure that you are not in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances.
- If you have any additional questions regarding the use or care of the thermometer, please see www.exergen.com or call customer service at (617) 923-9900.
Type BF Applied Part indicates the degree of patient protection against electrical shock. The product is internally battery-powered and electrically isolated from earth.
- WARNING: Use of this equipment adjacent to or stacked with other equipment (other than TAT-5000 compatible patient monitors) should be avoided because it could result in improper operation. If such use is necessary, this equipment and the other equipment should be observed to verify that they operate normally.
- WARNING: Use of accessories, transducers, and cables other than those specified or provided by the manufacturer of this equipment could result in increased electromagnetic emissions or decreased electromagnetic immunity of this equipment and result in improper operation.
- WARNING: Portable RF communications equipment (including peripherals such as antenna cables and external antennas) should be used no closer than 30 cm (12 inches) to any part of the TAT5000 thermometer, including cables specified by the manufacturer. Otherwise, degradation of the performance of this equipment could result.
Product Map of the Exergen TemporalScanner TAT-5000
Introduction to Temporal Artery Thermometry
Temporal artery thermometry (TAT) is a unique method of temperature assessment, using infrared technology to detect the heat naturally emitted from the skin surface. In addition, and of key importance, this method incorporates a patented arterial heat balance system to automatically account for the effects of ambient temperature on the skin.
This method of temperature assessment has been shown to improve results and reduce costs by non-invasively measuring body temperature with a degree of clinical accuracy unachievable with any other thermometry method. The temporal scanner is a type BF device.
Before Using, Familiarize Yourself with the Instrument
- To Scan: Depress the red button. The instrument will continually scan for the highest temperature (peak) if the button is depressed.
- Clicking: Each fast click indicates a rise to a higher temperature, similar to a radar detector. Slow clicking indicates that the instrument is still scanning but not finding any higher temperature.
- To Retain or Lock Reading: The reading will remain on the display for 30 seconds after the button is released. If measuring room temperature, the temperature will remain on the display for only 5 seconds.
- To Restart: Depress the button to restart. It is unnecessary to wait until the display is clear. The thermometer will immediately begin a new scan each time the button is depressed.
Learn more about how it works here.
Alternate sites when the temporal artery or behind the ear are unavailable:
- Femoral artery: slowly slide the probe across the groin.
- Lateral thoracic artery: slowly scan side-to-side in the area midway between the axilla and the nipple.
Product FAQs
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
What should I do if I get an abnormally high or low reading? How do I confirm my reading?
- Repeat the reading with the same Temporal Scanner; a correct reading will be reproducible.
- Repeat the reading with another Temporal Scanner. Two Temporal Scanners with the same reading will confirm the reading.
- Sequential readings on the same patient in rapid succession will cool the skin; it is best to wait about 30 seconds for the skin to recover from the cold probe.
Possible causes of abnormal readings.
| Type of Abnormal Temperature | Possible Cause | Helpful Hint |
| Abnormally low temperature | Dirty Lens | Clean lens of scanner every two weeks. |
| Abnormally low temperature | Releasing the button before finished measuring | Release the button after finished measuring. |
| Abnormally low temperature | Measuring when an ice pack or wet compress is on the forehead | Remove the ice pack or wet compress, wait 2 minutes, and re-take temperature |
| Abnormally low temperature | Measure a completely diaphoretic patient | Complete diaphoresis includes diaphoresis of area behind the ear and suggests that the temperature is rapidly dropping. Use an alternative method of temperature measurement in these cases until the patient is dry and the temporal artery measurement can be repeated. |
| Abnormally low temperature | "Improperly scanning down the side of the face" |
Scan straight across forehead. The temporal artery is closest to skin in that area. |
| Abnormally high-temperature | Anything covering the area to be measured would insulate and prevent heat from dissipating, resulting in falsely high readings. | Confirm measurement site has not recently been in contact with heat insulators such as hats, blankets, and hair. Scan the area not covered or wait about 30 seconds for the previously covered area to equilibrate to the environment. |
DISPLAY DIAGNOSTICS CHART
The following chart summarizes the conditions that may occur while the TemporalScanner is in use and the associated indications:
| Condition | Display | Range |
| High Target | HI | >110 oF (43 oC) |
| Low Target | LO | <61 oF (16 oC) |
| High Ambient | HI A | >104 oF (40 oC) |
| Low Ambient | LO A | <60 oF (16 oC) |
| Low Battery | bATT | |
| Dead Battery | blank display | |
| Processing Error | Err | Restart. Return to
Exergen for repair if error message persists. |
| Scanning (Normal Operation) | SCAN |
Learn more about getting different temperature readings here.
Thermometer Care & Cleaning
Learn how to care for your thermometer, including batteries, handling, cleaning, and more.
Battery: A standard alkaline 9V battery provides approximately 15,000 readings.** To replace, loosen the single screw at the bottom of the instrument and remove the battery cover. Disconnect the old battery and replace it with a new one in the same location. Replace the cover, and tighten the screw. Use only high-quality alkaline batteries.
Handling: The TemporalScanner is designed and built to industrial durability standards to provide long and trouble-free service. However, it is also a high-precision optical instrument and should be accorded the same degree of care in handling as you would provide other precision optical instruments, such as cameras or otoscopes.
Cleaning the case: The TemporalScanner case can be wiped down using a cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol. The industrial-grade housing and design of the electronic components allow for completely safe cleaning with 70% isopropyl alcohol but should not be immersed in fluid or autoclaved.
Cleaning the sensor lens: With normal use, the only maintenance required is to keep the lens on the end of the probe clean. It is made of special mirror-like, silicon infrared-transmitting material. However, dirt, greasy films, or moisture on the lens will interfere with the passage of infrared heat and affect the accuracy of the instrument. Regularly clean the lens with a cotton swab dampened with an alcohol wipe. Use only light force for cleaning to avoid damaging the lens. Water can be used to remove any residual film left by the alcohol. Do not use bleach or other cleaning solutions on the sensor lens. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Calibration: Factory calibration data is installed via a computer that communicates with the TemporalScanner’s microprocessor. The instrument automatically self-calibrates each time it is turned on using this data and will never require recalibration. If readings are not correct, the instrument should be returned for repair. See instructions for the return process.
Instructions for Fahrenheit or Celsius Conversion
The TemporalScanner can be used in either °F or °C. The TemporalScanner will come preset based on your preference at the time of purchase. To convert from one scale to the other, the only tool necessary is a small screwdriver.
For °F/°C Conversion:
- Loosen a single screw on the bottom of the case and remove the battery cover.
- Remove the battery.
- Locate the switch to the right of the battery (shown in the drawing), and with the tip of the screwdriver, slide up or down to the desired scale.
- Remove the screwdriver.
- Replace battery and cover.
If repair is required for your Exergen thermometer:
- Contact Exergen at (617) 923-9900 or repairs@exergen.com for a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) Number.
- Mark the RMA number on the outside of your package and packing slips.
- Include a description of the fault if possible.
- Send the instrument to:
Exergen Corporation
400 Pleasant Street
Watertown, MA 02472, USA
- Include the address to which the instrument should be returned.
Guidance and Manufacturer’s Declaration - Electromagnetic Emissions
The infrared forehead thermometer model TAT-5000 series is intended for use in the electromagnetic environment specified below. The user of the TAT-5000 series should assure that it is used in such an environment.
| Emissions test | Compliance |
Electromagnetic environment-guidance
|
| RF emissions CISPR 11 | Group 1 |
The TAT-5000 series thermometer uses no RF energy, therefore, any emissions
|
| RF emissions CISPR 11 | Class B |
The TAT-5000 series thermometer is suitable for use by a healthcare professional in a typical healthcare environment.
|
| Harmonic emissions | Not applicable |
The TAT-5000 series thermometer is suitable for use by a healthcare professional in a typical healthcare environment.
|
| Voltage fluctuations | Not applicable |
The TAT-5000 series thermometer is suitable for use by a healthcare professional in a typical healthcare environment.
|
Guidance and Manufacturer’s Declaration - Electromagnetic Immunity
The TAT-5000 series thermometer is intended for use in the electromagnetic environment specified below. The user of the TAT- 5000 series should assure that it is used in such an environment.
| Immunity test | IEC 60601 test level | Compliance level |
| Conducted RF IEC 61000-4-3 |
3Vrms 150 kHz to 80 MHz |
Not applicable |
| Radiated RF IEC 61000-4-3 |
V/m 80 MHz to 2,5 GHz |
3V/m |
| Electromagnetic environment-guidance |
|
Portable and mobile RF communications equipment should be used no closer to any part of the TAT-5000 series including cables if applicable, than the recommended separation distance calculated from the equation applicable to the frequency of the transmitter.
Recommended separation distance d=1,2*P1/2 d=1,2*P1/2 80 MHz to 800MHz d=1,2*P1/2 800MHz to 2,5 GHz Where P is the maximum output power rating of the transmitter in watts (W) according to the transmitter manufacturer and d is the recommended separation distance in meters (m). Field strength from the fixer RF transmitters, as determined by an electromagnetic site survey, a. should be less than the compliance level in each frequency range and b. interference may occur in the vicinity of equipment with the following symbol: |
- Note 1 At 80MHz and 800MHz, the higher range applies.
- Note 2 These guidelines may not apply in all situations. Electromagnetic propagation is affected by absorption and reflection from structures, objects, and people.
a. Field strengths from a fixed transmitter, such as base stations for radio (cellular/cordless) telephones and land mobile radios, amateur radio, AM and FM radio broadcasts, and TV broadcasts, cannot be predicted theoretically with accuracy. To assess the electromagnetic environment due to fixed RF transmitters, an electromagnetic site survey should be considered. If the measured field strengths in the location where the TAT-5000 series thermometer is used exceed the applicable RF compliance level above, the TAT-5000 series thermometer should be observed to verify normal operation. If abnormal performance is observed, additional measures may be necessary, such as reorienting or relocating the TAT-5000.
b. Over the frequency range of 150 kHz to 80 MHz, field strengths should be less than 3V/m.
c. Portable and mobile RF communications equipment can affect performance.
d. ESD compliance has been verified by testing. Intertek Report Number R11898679.
Guidance and Manufacturer’s Declaration - Electromagnetic Immunity (cont)
The TAT-5000 series thermometer is intended for use in the electromagnetic environment specified below. The user of the TAT-5000 series should assure that it is used in such an environment.
| Immunity test | IEC 60601 test level | Compliance level | Electromagnetic environment-guidance |
| Electrostatic discharge (ESD) IEC61000-4-2 | 6kV contact 8kV air | 6kV contact 8kV air | Floors should be wood, concrete or ceramic tile. If floors are covered with synthetic material, the relative humidity should be at least 30%. |
| Electrical fast transient / burst IEC 61000-4-4 |
2kV for power supply lines 1kV for input-output lines | Not applicable | Mains power quality should be that of a typical health care environment. |
| Surge IEC 61000-4-5 | 1kV line(s) to line(s) 2kVline(s) to earth |
Not applicable | Mains power quality should be that of a typical health care environment. |
| Interruptions and voltage variations on power supply Input lines IEC 61000-4-11 | <5% UT (>95% dip in UT) for 0,5 cycle 40% UT (60% dip in UT) for 5 cycles 70% UT (30% dip in UT) for 25 cycles < 5% UT (>95% dip in UT) for5 sec |
Not applicable | Mains power is not applicable. The TAT-5000 series is powered by battery and battery only. |
| Power frequency (50/60 Hz) magnetic Field IEC 61000-4-8 |
3A/m | 3A/m | Power frequency magnetic fields should be at the level characteristic of a typical location in a typical health care environment. |
Note UT is the a.c. mains voltage prior to the application of the test level
Recommended separation distances between portable and mobile RF communication equipment and the TAT-5000 Series
The TAT-5000 series forehead thermometer is intended for use in an electromagnetic environment in which radiated RF disturbances are controlled, or the user of the TAT-5000 series thermometer can help prevent electromagnetic interference by maintaining a minimum distance between portable and mobile RF communications equipment (transmitters) and the TAT-5000 series thermometer as recommended below, according to the maximum output power of the communications equipment.
For transmitters rated at a maximum output power not listed above, the recommended separation distance d in meters (m) can be estimated using the equation applicable to the frequency of the transmitter, where P is the maximum output power rating of the transmitter in watts (W) according to the transmitter manufacturer.
- Note 1 At 80 MHz and 800 MHz the separation distance for the higher frequency range applies.
- Note 2 These guidelines may not apply in all situations. Electromagnetic propagation is affected by absorption and reflection from structures, objects, and people.
Disposable Cover Options
(Model Illustrated: TAT-5000)
Model TAT-5000 Options
- Instrument Holder PN 134201
- Disposable Caps PN 134203
- Security Cables 8 ft coiled cable - Latex free - PN 124311
- 6 ft. vinyl-covered steel - PN 134302
- 8 ft. vinyl-covered steel - PN 134030
- Keyless Self-Locking Wall Mount PN 134305
- Keyless Self-Locking Wall Mount (shown with resposable cap dispenser) PN 134306
The TAT-5000 can be used without disposables if terminally cleaned or if the probe head is wiped with alcohol between patients. The TAT-5000 can also be used with either disposable caps or a full sheath. Disposables are single patient use and can be re-used on the same patient.
| Specification | TAT-5000 |
| Clinical Accuracy | ± 0.2°F or 0.1°C Per ASTM E1112 |
| Temperature Range | 61 to 110°F (16 to 43°C) |
| Arterial Heat Balance Range for Body Temperature* | 94 to 110°F (34.5 to 43°C) |
| Operating Environment | 60 to 104° F (16 to 40°C) |
| Resolution | 0.1°F or C |
| Response Time | ~ 0.04 seconds |
| Battery Life | 15,000 readings** |
| Time Displayed on Screen | 30 seconds |
| Size | 2.0” x 8.0” x 1.25”
(5 cm x 20 cm x 3 cm) |
| Weight | 7.9 oz. (223 g) |
| Display Type and Size | Large bright LED's |
| Construction Method | • Industrial duty impact resistant casing
• Hermetically sealed sensing system • Stainless steel probe |
*Automatically applied when the temperature is within the normal body temperature range, otherwise reads surface temperature.
** Approximate number of readings when scanning for 5 seconds and reading the temperature display for 3 seconds before turning the thermometer off.
