Research Led by Clinical Nurse Specialists Reconfirms Reliability of Temporal Artery Thermometry

WATERTOWN, Mass., June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New research adds to the growing body of evidence in the medical literature showing temporal artery thermometry provides reliable and accurate temperature readings. The findings from a performance improvement project aimed at enhancing patient outcomes conducted within a 558-bed community-based teaching hospital concluded TA (forehead scanning) and oral electronic (OE) thermometers both are reasonable options. The findings(1) were presented at the 2011 National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists National Conference in March.

"Once again, independent research by medical professionals validates our findings about the usefulness of temporal artery thermometry," said Francesco Pompei, Ph.D., CEO of Exergen Corp. "Exergen's patented TemporalScanner™ Thermometer has become an indispensable device that can be counted on for fast, accurate temperature readings without causing any discomfort. It's as useful in healthcare facilities as it is in the home to quickly detect fevers in people of all ages from newborns to geriatric patients."

The clinical research was conducted after postoperative patients were found to be hypothermic upon first temperature assessment on an acute care unit. Knowing hypothermia can cause detrimental consequences, the clinical nurse specialist empowered the staff to determine the causes of the hypothermia and identify ways to prevent it.  The study, which analyzed data collected over five months, was a repeated-measures design that compared TA and OE to core temperature in postoperative coronary artery bypass graft patients with normal temperatures. "Outcomes in this study indicate that both OE and TA are reasonable options for temperature measurement in normothermic patients," the research concluded.

The study was not affiliated with Exergen and neither the authors nor the institution received compensation from the company to conduct the research.

Exergen markets two models of the TemporalScanner thermometer: a professional version for doctors' offices and hospitals, and a consumer model sold in major retailers including Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreen's, Costco, Sam's Club, Babies "R" Us, Toys "R" Us, and BJ's. More than 800 million temperatures are taken each year with the TemporalScanner. Used in thousands of hospitals, clinics, and pediatricians' offices in the country as well as in millions of homes, it is also the only thermometer manufactured in the United States.  The performance of the Exergen TemporalScanner is supported by more than 40 peer-reviewed published studies covering all ages from preterm infants to geriatrics and all care areas from hospitals to homes.

Exergen Corporation is recognized worldwide as an innovator and leading manufacturer of patented infrared thermometers, scanners, sensors and controls. The company holds more than 60 U.S. patents for non-invasive temperature measurement devices. Its products are used in a wide variety of industrial and medical applications for both professionals and consumers. For additional information, visit www.exergen.com.

(1) Brenda A. Artz, MS, RN, CCRN, et al; Clinical Nurse Specialists Empowering Staff to Improve Patient Outcomes in Temperature Measurement: From PI/EBP to Nursing Research, in Clinical Nurse Specialist Vol 25(2) p.75 March/April 2011.

SOURCE Exergen Corporation