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There’s no doubt the medical field has come a long way in recent years. Thanks to modern technological advancements, healthcare providers now have access to more functional and precise tools than ever. Every time a new piece of medical technology is released, it has the potential to change the way we view healthcare and transform the way it is delivered.
One of the most significant contributions to revolutionising medical services is the introduction of non-contact infrared thermometers for accurate temperature readings. Their original uses were primarily in industrial settings, and it wasn’t until recently that they found their way into the medical profession. Nowadays, these state-of-the-art devices are an integral part of many healthcare facilities and are used for a wide range of purposes.
How Do Infrared Thermometers Work?
At the heart of these devices is an infrared sensor that picks up the radiation emitted by a person’s body. It comes into contact with the heat energy emitted by the individual and converts it into a digital signal. This information is then used to calculate the person’s body temperature.
When there’s a higher-than-normal level of infrared radiation coming from the body, it indicates that the person’s temperature is elevated. This data can then be used to identify any potential fever symptoms and take appropriate action. It usually takes a few seconds for the thermometer to take a reading and provide accurate results.
Advantages of Non-contact Infrared Thermometers in Medical Settings
These tools have become increasingly popular in medical settings due to their numerous advantages. Their clever and accurate design has made them a must-have for healthcare providers and their patients. Here are some of the key benefits:
Non-Invasive Temperature Measurement
Traditional devices such as ear thermometers require physical contact with the patient, which can be uncomfortable and cause potential infection. Other models are inserted into the mouth or the rectum, which can be unpleasant for some people.
Non-contact varieties allow healthcare professionals to take temperature readings without coming into direct contact with the patient. This inherently makes the experience much more comfortable and safer for both parties. No one should ever feel uneasy when they’re in the process of being examined.
Quick and Efficient Readings
Medical facilities are often busy environments, with healthcare staff attending to numerous patients every day. When you’re trying to tend to a large number of people, time is essential. That’s why non-contact thermometers provide quick results in only a few seconds.
This means that healthcare professionals can quickly move on to the next patient with swift and accurate temperature readings in hand. They don’t have to wait a few minutes for the device to beep and signal the end of its cycle. All of the data is available in a matter of seconds, which imminently increases the efficiency of the healthcare facility overall.
Reduced Risk of Cross-Contamination
This kind of infrared thermometer eliminates the need for physical contact with the patient, which minimises the risk of cross-contamination. When the same device is inserted into the ears or mouths of different patients, there’s a likelihood that germs will be passed from one person to the next.
While hospitals normally have stringent sterilisation protocols, non-contact thermometers reduce the risk even further. Not to mention the fact that healthcare professionals don’t have to worry about putting their hands in close contact with a potentially contagious person or wasting time sanitising the device after every use.
It also eliminates the need for probes and other physical objects to take temperature readings. This reduces the time and money needed for purchasing supplies and helps save even more space in crowded medical facilities.
Suitable for Different Age Groups
Unlike other thermometers, non-contact infrared models are suitable for infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors alike. Younger generations can get quite fussy when it comes to traditional thermometers, which can be difficult for medical staff to handle.
The infrared versions don’t require physical contact and are gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive of age groups. It also eliminates the risk of them being put in uncomfortable situations, where they may become distressed or agitated.
Ideal for Screening Large Numbers of Individuals
The majority of medical settings require quick and accurate temperature readings for large numbers of patients. Large-scale screenings can be a challenging task, especially when you have to use traditional thermometers.
The efficiency and speed of non-contact models make them the ideal tool for screening purposes. It’s simple enough that you don’t need any special training or skills to use it. All you have to do is point the device at the person and get an accurate temperature reading in no time.
Best Practises for Using Non-contact Infrared Thermometers
Due to their convenience and accuracy, non-contact infrared thermometers are quickly becoming a must-have for many medical settings. While they are incredibly useful, it is essential to use them correctly and follow best practices.
Proper Technique for Accurate Readings
To get the most accurate results from these devices, you should ensure that the device’s infrared sensor and the person’s forehead are aligned parallel to one another. When this isn’t done, it may lead to errors in temperature readings due to interference from external sources.
You should also keep the thermometer a few centimetres away from the forehead, as this will protect it from any foreign elements that can interfere with its accuracy. If the device is too close, it may pick up heat radiation from another source, resulting in an inaccurate temperature reading.
Factors That May Affect Temperature Measurements
In addition to incorrect use of the device, several other factors could affect the accuracy of the readings. These include too much ambient light in the area, humidity levels, and the surrounding temperature. If any of these readings are too high, it can affect the heat signature coming from the person’s forehead and give an inaccurate result.
While the interference is far from extreme, it can, in some cases, lead to false readings. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the environmental conditions before taking a temperature measurement.
Maintenance and Calibration
Like all medical devices, non-contact infrared thermometers need to be regularly serviced and calibrated. This ensures that the device is accurate and reliable during temperature measurement.
You should also routinely inspect the thermometer for any signs of damage or wear and tear, as these can cause errors in readings. It’s also wise to store the device properly in a cool, dry place where it won’t come into contact with extreme temperatures or moisture.
Moreover, cleaning and maintaining the device is essential. You should do this frequently, using specialised alcohol-based wipes specifically designed for medical electronics. If you require any technical assistance, always contact the manufacturer for a professional opinion.
