Infrared tympanic (ear) thermometers
Tympanic thermometers are now routinely used on hospital wards for monitoring patients’ temperatures.
Photograph shows a young boy having his temperature taken, quickly and without discomfort, using an infrared tympanic thermometer.
Hand-held infrared thermometers are applied to the ear to sense the temperature of the ear drum (tympanum), at close range but without actually contacting it. The maximum reading is held and displayed until reset, and the response is almost instantaneous.
It is important that the device is applied and angled correctly, if errors are to be avoided. A new plastic cover is attached to the probe for each patient, to avoid transferring infections.
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