TA temperature is real time temperature
Just like pulmonary artery temperature, TA temperature identifies changes in your patient’s temperature sooner than axillary, oral, or rectal temperature.
Measure only exposed area
Measure only the up-side
Anything covering the area to be measured would insulate and prevent the heat from dissipating, resulting in falsely high readings. Brush the hair aside if covering the TA, or the area behind the ear.
Measure only the up-side on a patient in a lateral position. The down-side will be insulated preventing the heat from dissipating, resulting in falsely high readings.
Measure straight across the forehead, from the centre to the hairline (or start at the hairline) ending with a touch on the neck behind the earlobe
Slide the thermometer midline straight across the forehead (think of a sweatband), and not down the side of the face. Midline, the temporal artery is about 2mm below the surface, but can go deeply below the surface on the side of the face.
Sequential Measurements Result in Variability
Sequential measurements cool the tissue, resulting in variable temps. Wait 30 seconds or so for skin to recover or use the opposite side if exposed.
One Measurement TA Temperature on an Infant
One measurement, preferably at the temporal artery area, is all that is required on an infant as the perfusion rate is normally strong.
If visibly diaphoretic, push aside any clothing or blankets covering the neck area for ~30 seconds or so, and make the measurement on the neck behind the ear.
Preferred site is the temporal artery area.
Low Readings Can be Caused by a Dirty Lens
Biweekly cleaning of the lens is a good procedure. To clean, simply twirl a cotton tipped swab (Q-Tip) dampened in alcohol on the lens, deep in the center of the probe.
Questions? 617-923-9900 x202
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