WATERTOWN, Mass., June 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A recent study published by Oncology Nurse Advisor1 found the Exergen professional TAT-5000 Temporal Thermometer to be a noninvasive alternative to oral thermometers in adult hematology/oncology patients for detecting febrile neutropenia. The study, which was presented at the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) 38th Annual Congress, concluded, "The use of a temporal artery thermometer avoids afflicting discomfort that accompanies use of the oral probe for patients with mucositis."
The study was conducted to determine the best alternative to oral thermometers for temperature measurement in immunocompromised patients. The methods examined in this study were temporal artery, axillary and oral. Forty sets of the studied measurements were collected from 33 patients and methods were taken with a 90 percent confidence interval (CI); the accepted requirement for reading difference at 0.2°F. According to the study, "Obtaining axillary temperature measurements should be used with caution or discontinued."
"This study affirms that an accurate, yet comfortable temperature taking method is not only essential in infants and children, but also in adults," said Dr. Francesco Pompei, CEO of Exergen Corporation. "It is imperative that all patients are kept as comfortable as possible during their treatment and recovery, and use of the Exergen TemporalScanner is an important step in making this happen."
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 Walmart, Target, Walgreen's, Rite Aid, Costco, Sam's Club, Babies "R" Us, Toys "R" Us, Kroger, and BJ's. More than one billion temperatures are taken each year with the TemporalScanner. It is used in thousands of hospitals, clinics, and pediatricians' offices in the country, as well as in millions of homes. For the third year in a row it is the #1 selling retail thermometer and #1 preference of pediatricians in the US. The Exergen TemporalScanner's performance is supported by more than 50 peer-reviewed published studies covering all ages from preterm infants to geriatrics and all care areas in hospitals and homes. For additional information, visit www.exergen.com.
1 Hughes D. Study recommends use of professional temporal thermometer in adults. Oncology Nurse Advisor April 27, 2013.