WATERTOWN, Mass., Sept. 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More pediatricians ranked temporal artery thermometry (TAT) #1 in overall preference than any other thermometry method, including rectal thermometers, for three consecutive years, according to a recent survey of physicians. Of the 348 survey respondents, 38 percent ranked TAT number one based on overall preference, while only 15 percent ranked rectal thermometer as their overall preference. Identical surveys over three years show that preference for TAT over rectal thermometers has grown from 31 percent to 38 percent.
"We are pleased to see a growing number of medical professionals embracing temporal artery thermometry over rectal thermometers and other traditional methods," said Dr. Francesco Pompei, CEO of Exergen Corporation. "With accuracy proven by more than 40 peer-reviewed published studies, temporal artery thermometry is rapidly replacing rectal thermometers and other older, invasive methods, while still providing the accuracy required by physicians. As a result, millions of patients, parents and children no longer have to endure the unpleasantness of rectal thermometry and other invasive methods."
Temperature taking is a basic component of any health assessment and can serve as the foundation for a comfortable relationship between patient and healthcare worker. Based on commentary that accompanied survey responses, pediatricians cited facility-wide acceptance of temporal artery thermometry, highlighting its accuracy and ease of use with patients of all ages. According to one respondent, "[I] have used many instruments. The temporal artery scan is the most efficient and reliable."
The survey was conducted by Pragmatic Research, Inc. and pediatricians were not told that Exergen sponsored it. The results were consistent with other independent research involving nurses and other healthcare professionals in various clinical settings.
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, 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. The Exergen TemporalScanner's performance 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. For additional information, visit www.exergen.com.
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