A temporal thermometer offers a quick and non-invasive way to measure body temperature by scanning the heat emitted from the temporal artery on the forehead. This artery is an ideal target because it lies close to the skin surface and is directly connected to the heart, carrying blood that accurately reflects the body’s core temperature. The device uses an infrared sensor to capture this thermal energy, providing a reading without the discomfort or wait time associated with oral or rectal methods. Following precise steps ensures this convenient device provides the most accurate possible assessment.
Understanding the Technology and Preparation
Temporal thermometers operate on the principle of infrared thermometry, where a sensor detects the heat naturally radiating from the skin above the temporal artery. This thermal reading is processed by an internal algorithm to convert the skin-surface temperature into a core body temperature equivalent. The system mathematically accounts for factors like ambient room temperature and heat loss from the skin to maintain accuracy.
Before taking a measurement, preparing both the device and the person is necessary to avoid skewed results. The thermometer’s sensor lens must be clean, as dust or smudges can obstruct the infrared reading and lead to low measurements. It is also important to ensure the forehead is dry, as sweat acts as a cooling agent that can significantly lower the temperature reading.
The device and the individual should be in a stable room environment for at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to scanning. If the person has recently come indoors from extreme heat or cold, or has been engaged in strenuous exercise, the skin temperature will not accurately reflect the core temperature. This acclimatization period allows the skin temperature to normalize.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking a Temperature
To begin the measurement, ensure the person is still and has no hair, hats, or clothing covering their forehead or temple area. Place the thermometer probe gently and flatly against the center of the forehead, making sure the sensor head maintains contact with the skin throughout the process. Activate the scanner by depressing the designated button and keeping it held down continuously during the entire scan.
While holding the button, slowly and smoothly slide the probe in a straight line across the forehead toward the hairline near the top of the ear. This deliberate motion is designed to scan the entire path of the temporal artery to locate the peak temperature, since the exact location of the artery varies slightly among individuals. This continuous scan often takes only a few seconds to find the highest value.
For some models, a second step involves lifting the probe from the forehead and gently touching the soft depression of the skin behind the earlobe. This final contact can help to better capture the core temperature, as this area is less prone to cooling effects. The thermometer will emit a beep or display a light signal to indicate a successful scan, after which you can release the button and view the final reading.
Ensuring Accuracy and Interpreting Readings
Achieving a reliable temporal reading depends on minimizing external factors that can interfere with the infrared sensor. Sweat or moisture on the forehead is the most common cause of artificially low readings, as evaporation causes surface cooling that the thermometer detects. Rapid movement or an inconsistent scanning speed can also prevent the device from capturing the peak temperature along the artery’s path.
If the initial reading is unexpectedly low or the forehead is visibly sweaty, retake the temperature behind the earlobe, as this skin is usually drier and less affected by external cooling. Consistent technique is important, so it is best to use the same thermometer on the same side of the body each time to establish a personal baseline.
For adults, a typical temporal temperature reading ranges between 97.6 and 98.1 degrees Fahrenheit (36.4 to 36.7 degrees Celsius), which is slightly lower than a standard oral reading. A reading of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher is generally considered a fever and warrants attention. Always note the method used when reporting a temperature to a healthcare professional, as readings can vary across different measurement sites.