Frequently Asked Questions - Thermometry

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Frequently Asked Questions - Thermometry

Are Omron probe covers and lens covers latex free? Omron Home Health Care and General Medical Products All Omron probe covers and lens covers are latex free. For hygienic purposes we recommend applying a new probe cover each time you use your thermometer.
How do I clean the casing and protect the thermometer from damage? Wipe the casing with a soft dry cloth to clean the body of the thermometer. Never use any abrasive type cleaners or submerge the thermometer in water or any other liquids. Do not expose the thermometer to extreme temperatures, humidity, direct sunlight or shock. Always store your thermometer in a clean, dry place at room temperature.
How do I keep the Safety Probe Lens on the Omron Instant Ear Thermometer clean and free of scratches? Fingerprints, ear wax or dirt will impede the accuracy of the thermometer. The Safety Probe Lens may be gently cleaned with a soft cotton cloth moistened with alcohol. Do not use a paper towel. The fibers in the paper towel may scratch the Safety Probe Lens. Allow forty- five minutes for the Safety Probe Lens to dry completely before attaching the Protective Storage Cap. Always attach a clean Lens Cover and the Protective Storage Cap to the thermometer when not in use.
How does the Omron Instant Ear Thermometer work? The Omron Instant Ear Thermometer detects the infrared heat given off by the eardrum and surrounding tissues. It converts this heat into an equivalent oral temperature in one second.
What are the different measurement methods? See the complete line of Omron ThermometersMeasurement methods are Axillary, Ear, Oral and Rectal. The core temperature, or the temperature of the internal organs, is most accurately reflected in a rectal temperature. Different body parts have different temperatures. Usual differences are:

Axillary 2° F lower than rectal
 Ear 1° F lower than rectal
 Oral 1° F lower than rectal
 Rectal Base temperature

Note: Some thermometer models may have the ability to convert to core temperature measurement
What causes a low reading when using an ear thermometer? The temperature taking technique is the general cause for a low reading. We recommend that you practice using the ear thermometer on yourself and other family members when you are healthy. This will improve your technique and you will feel more confident of the measurement you take when someone is ill. Completely read the instruction manual. A low reading can be caused by an ear infection.
What does the error indicator of AL or AH mean? Omron MC514 Compact Digital Ear Thermometer The Omron Instant Ear Thermometer will display this indicator after the On-Measure Button is pushed if the thermometer's own temperature is too cold or too hot to operate. The operating range is 50 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the thermometer in a room within the operating range. Wait 30 minutes and take the measurement again.
What does the indicator message PC on the display panel represent? Omron ear thermometers will not operate without the probe cover. The indicator message of PC will appear on the display panel. Attach a clean probe cover. Wait about 10 seconds and take another measurement.
What does the L indicator on the display panel stand for? The Omron Instant Ear Thermometer will display the L indicator after the on-measurement button is pushed if the temperature reading is not within the human temperature range of 89.6 to 108.0 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the lens cover is properly attached. Carefully insert the safety probe into the ear canal. Retake the measurement.
What is considered normal temperature range? Temperature ranges vary by age group. The following ranges are based on an oral measurement. The first group, babies and toddlers, ages 0 to 2 years range from 97.5 to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Children age 3 to 10 years range from 97.0 to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Young people and adults age 11 to 65 range from 96.6 to 99.7 degrees Fahrenheit, and adults over the age of 65 range from 96.4 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Always consult with your healthcare provider for measurement methods and guidelines for when to report a fever.
What is fever? Fever is the first weapon in the arsenal used when foreign substances invade a body. Chemicals released by the foreign substances stimulate the hypothalamus to increase the body temperature. The hypothalamus is the "thermostat" of the body. The hypothalamus can raise or lower body temperature through chemical signals to other systems to make the changes necessary. A fever is the response to foreign substances, bacteria or viruses in the body. Fever has benefits. The higher body temperature does not allow certain chemicals and nutrients to be available for the bacterial or virus to exist and/or reproduce. The higher body temperature works with the immune system to fight off infection. Fever is a symptom that should be reported to a health care provider. Each person should find out his or her specific healthcare provider's guidelines for reporting a fever.
What is infection? The body is made of many systems that work together to provide health, wellness and daily function. When one of these systems is not working together with the others, diseases or a state of illness occurs. The immune system is the "watchdog" of the body. It protects the body from substances that don't belong there. These foreign substances can be bacteria, viruses, or tissue from another person or living thing. An infection occurs when one of these foreign substances has gained entry into someone's body. The hypothalamus directs several different activities when something biochemical or physiologically abnormal is noted. The hypothalamus releases chemicals that increase the body temperature in the presence of infections. We know this process to be called a fever. Other signs of infection can include pain, swelling, heat, redness, abnormal liquid secretions dependent on the type of invading organism and the body part involved. Although the immune system is the body's "watchdog" against infection, contact your doctor at the first signs of infection.
What is the accuracy of the ear thermometer? The Omron Instant Ear Thermometer is hospital tested and meets the American Society for Testing and Materials accuracy requirement. For the measurement range of 98.0º to 102.0º F the accuracy is +/- 0.2ºF.
What model lens cover do I use with the Gentle Temp Ear Thermometer? Use Gentle Temp Lens Covers MC-505LC. Each package contain 40 lens covers. The MC-505LC Lens Cover is used with thermometer model numbers MC-505 and MC-509.
What type of replacement battery do I need to purchase for the Omron Ear Thermometer? Omron ear thermometers use one 3V lithium battery. The battery type is CR2032.
Why take a temperature from the ear? The Omron Instant Ear Thermometer is less threatening to a child than a rectal thermometer. It's faster, safer and easier to use than an oral thermometer. Measurements can even be taken while a child is sleeping. For adults, the Omron Instant Ear Thermometer offers fast convenient, accurate readings without the wait of a conventional thermometer.

What you need to know about fevers:
Fever defined and the causes:
A fever is when the body's temperature is higher than normal due to an infection. The fever is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. It is a way in which the body fights infection. A fever is not dangerous, and does not always mean that a person has a serious illness.

Use a thermometer as a guide for temperature measurement.Treatment:
The prevailing idea seems to be that high fevers cause brain damage. This is essentially untrue. The truth is that the brain is able to act like a thermostat and keep the temperature from going beyond a safe range; i.e. about 106.2 degrees. The only exceptions are devastating infections of the brain itself, as in bacterial meningitis, most of which are now prevented by immunization. Use a thermometer as a guide for temperature measurement. Usually, the infection is caused by a virus, and antibiotics do not help viral infections. If the infection is bacterial it can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. While waiting for the medication to take effect, the temperature can be brought down by warm water baths; cold water or ice water is not recommended as they can cause the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, and decrease the body's ability to get rid of extra heat. Also, cold or chilly water will cause a child to shiver, which will increase the body's internal heat. Additionally, you should do the following to provide extra comfort:

Drink plenty of clear fluid.
 Dress as lightly as possible.
 Keep the child cool.
 NEVER use alcohol

Additional helpful hints:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is gradually replacing acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the medication of choice because it lasts longer and is anti-inflammatory as well. Aspirin is NOT recommended for children under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reyes syndrome, a liver disorder associated with the use of aspirin and certain viral infections. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or doctor.


Omron Healthcare, Inc. offers a wide variety of thermometers to meet every customers need. Whether you prefer a digital stick thermometer or are looking for the newest technology available, Omron thermometers are safe, comfortable, easy to use and proven clinically accurate.

The complete line of Omron Thermometers