takes place instantly, detecting the infra-red heat emitted by the arterial blood flow. The reading is thus
obtained with no interference whatsoever from ambient heat. ThermoFlash®'s high quality is connected
to this unique technology developed by Visiomed®
DIFFERENT MEANS OF READING BODY TEMPERATURE
- Core temperature: Core temperature gives the most accurate reading. It relies on measuring the tem-
perature of the pulmonary artery via a catheter fitted with a thermal probe, giving the temperature in
situ. The same principle is used for probes measuring the temperature in the esophagus. However, such
invasive temperature measurement method requires specific equipment and expertise.
- Rectal temperature: Rectal temperature adjusts slowly in comparison to the evolution of body tem-
perature: it has been demonstrated that rectal temperature remains high even after the patient's inter-
nal temperature has started to drop and vice-versa. Also, using this method, rectal perforations have
been reported, and, without the appropriate sterilization techniques, rectal temperature readings may
propagate the spread of contaminants often found in faeces.
- Oral temperature: Oral temperature readings are easily influenced by recent consumption of food or
drink and by breathing through the mouth. To measure the oral temperature, the mouth must remain
closed and the tongue lowered for three or four minutes. This is not easy to achieve with young children.
- Axillary temperature: It may be easy to take a reading of the axillary temperature, but it has been
demonstrated that it gives an inexact representation of the child's internal temperature. To take this
kind of reading the thermometer must be wedged tightly over the axillary artery. Despite its relatively
low sensitivity in detecting fevers, the axillary temperature reading is recommended by the American
Academy of Pediatrics as a screening test for a fever in a new-born child.
- Aural temperature: It is essential to take the aural temperature in the correct way to ensure an accu-
rate reading. The thermometer probe must be against the warmest part of the inner ear. Failure to do
so may result in an inaccurate reading.
ADVANTAGES OF TAKING THE TEMPORAL ARTERY TEMPERATURE (TA)
Infrared arterial temperature can be measured by using a device positioned on the forehead, near the
temporal artery. It has been demonstrated that this relatively new method is more precise than taking
the temperature aurally, and is less distressing than via the rectum, especially for new-born children.
The THERMOFLASH® LX-360 thermometer has been designed to give an immediate and no contact
reading from the temporal artery temperature. This artery is close enough to the surface of the skin to
be easily accessible, and gives an accurate reading since the blood flow is permanent and regular. This
is connected to the heart by the carotid artery, which is directly connected to the aorta. It is part of the
core arterial network. The efficiency, speed and comfort of taking a temperature reading from this area
makes it ideal compared to other methods.
GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW BEFORE TAKING A TEMPERATURE
- In order to ensure an accurate and reliable reading, it is essential that each user is suitably informed and
knows how to take a temperature with this thermometer.
- It is essential to remember that although procedures such as taking temperature may be simple, they
should not be trivialized.
- Temperature should be taken in a neutral context. The patient must not be recovering from an intense
physical activity before the measurement, and the ambient temperature must be moderate.
- Be aware that physiological variations should be taken into account when evaluating the results: the
temperature increases by 0.5°C between 6am and 3pm. Women in general are 0.2°C warmer than men,
and their temperature varies according to the menstrual cycle. It increases by 0.5°C in the second phase
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of the cycle and at the beginning of pregnancy.
- While sitting, the temperature is 0.3 to 0.4°C lower compared to while standing.
HOW TO TAKE A TEMPERATURE
SEE SCHEMA A PAGE 2.
Aim at the FOREHEAD, over the right temporal region, from a distance of about 5cm (2 in),
press the thermometer's measurement button and the temperature is instantly displayed.
The reliability of the measurement cannot be guaranteed if the temperature is measured over another
part of the body (e.g. arm, torso...).
CONSTRAINTS
In order to ensure a stable and reliable reading, before each measurement:
- Push back hair from the forehead.
- Wipe away any perspiration from the forehead.
- Avoid any drafts (e.g. from nasal specs, air conditioning...).
- Allow a 1 minute interval between two measurements.
- Any time you move the ThermoFlash® to a place with a significantly different ambient temperature,
leave it to acclimatize at this temperature for at least 15 minutes before use
IV. FUNCTIONS
1. Specially designed for a body temperature reading without interference from ambient heat.
2. Reliable and stable results thanks to the HEIMANN infra-red detection system.
3. An alert if the temperature is too high.
4. A memory unit to save the last 32 readings.
5. Backlit digital LCD screen.
6. Choice of reading in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
7. Automatic shut-down (to save energy).
8. Small, practical and easy to use.
Secondary functions: The THERMOFLASH® LX-360 also lets you take the temperature of a bath, a bot-
tle or the ambient temperature of a room (in SURFACE TEMP or ROOM mode).
V. DESCRIPTION OF THERMOFLASH® LX-360
SEE SCHEMA B PAGE 2.
1
4
Infra-red lens
Battery case
2
5
LCD screen
Setting buttons
3
Measure button
VI. STARTING UP YOUR THERMOFLASH® LX-360
- Insert the batteries.
- At the first use or after changing the batteries, wait around 10 minutes for the thermometer to warm up.
- Aim at the forehead (SEE SCHEMA A PAGE 2) at around 5cm, press the measure button and the tempe-
rature will be displayed immediately. The temperature can also be taken behind the ear on the jugular.
- Before taking a reading, make sure there is no hair or sweat on the forehead.
- Change the batteries when
shows on the screen.
Visiomed - LX-360 - 122015
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6
LED for night use
7
Infra-red sensor
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