Sunday, March 20, 2011

Exergen's TemporalScanner Temporal Artery Thermometer

Product Review Sunday of Products Nannies Love

I just can't seem to get an accurate reading from an auxiliary (ear) thermometer. I have always been frustrated with auxiliary thermometers as they give low readings, that are never the same.

Pediatricians agree that a rectal thermometer is the most accurate to take a baby's temperature. But studies have shown temporal artery thermometers to be more accurate than underarm and in-ear thermometers. For babies it's best to use the rectal method until they get too old to tolerate it. But with children older than 12-months, the main information parents need to know is whether their kids have a high or low fever, so it's safe (and much easier) to swipe away.

The Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer is a thermometer that reads the temperature by measuring the heat coming from her temporal artery, which runs across her forehead. Simply hold down the button and swipe the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer near the child's hairline. Within two seconds, the thermometer will beep and you'll be able to read her temperature on the LCD display -- no discomfort required. And the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer works so quickly and easily that you can even take her temp as she sleeps.

The trick is to not depress the button until the sensor is flush against the forehead or behind the ear (on the pulse point). You have to slide the thermometer across the child's forehead, from the middle of the forehead to the temple, since the carotid artery is not in the same place on every person. It does have a bit of a learning curve, so practice using on your own forehead a few times. Just follow the directions in the package. Most clinics and hospitals are using these thermometers now, so it is well recommended. And from a frustrated nanny that can't use an auxiliary thermometer correctly, I recommend it too.

3 comments:

Sarah said...

That sounds like a great idea! I detest the ear canal thermometer, but thankfully my current charges still tolerate the rectal quite well, even though they are almost 2 1/2. I just sing songs with them and/or give them a book to look at and they usually chill out pretty well. I'll definitely keep this in mind for the future though!

Tobago Nanny said...

On FB 3 nannies vote for rectal, 2 for ear, 2 for forehead, and I vote for all depending on age of child and symptoms.

Anonymous said...

Honestly rectal is just fine. I can't stand adding two degrees to auxillary or under arm. Rectal and then to mouth once old enough.