Introduction; Operating Principles - VISIOMED BewellConnect MyThermo BW-CX10 Mode D'emploi

3. INTRODUCTION

The MyThermo BW-CX10, developed by Visiomed®, is a revolutionary infra-red medical thermo-
meter without contact, fitted with cutting edge MicroSecond Flash automatic calibration techno-
logy™ using latest infrared technology. This latter allows temporal artery (TA) temperature to be
taken at a distance of about 3-5cm away from the forehead.
Precise, instantaneous and without contact, the MyThermo BW-CX10 is totally suitable for a pre-
cise temperature measurement without risk. It has been shown that this TA temperature mea-
surement, for newborns, is more precise than tympanic thermometry and better tolerated than
rectal thermometry (1).
However, as with other types of thermometer, it is essential to use the MyThermo BW-CX10 pro-
perly in order to obtain reliable and stable results.
You are therefore advised to read this instruction manual and the safety precautions carefully
before use.
(1) Greenes D, Fleisher G. Accuracy of a Non-invasive Temporal Artery Thermometer for Use in Infants.
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2001; 155:376.

4. OPERATING PRINCIPLES

All objects, solid, liquid or gas, emit energy by radiation. The intensity of this energy depends on the
temperature of the object. The MyThermo BW-CX10 infrared thermometer is therefore able to mea-
sure the temperature of a person by the energy the person emits. This measurement can be taken
thanks to an external temperature probe on the device which permanently analyses and registers
the ambient temperature. Therefore, as soon as the operator holds the thermometer near the body
and activates the radiation sensor, the measurement is taken instantly by detection of the infrared
heat generated by the arterial blood flow. Body heat can therefore be measured without any interfe-
rence from the heat of the surrounding environment.
The different methods of temperature measurement
- Core temperature
Core temperature is the most precise measurement and involves measuring the temperature
in the pulmonary artery by means of a catheter equipped with a thermal probe which can read
the temperature in situ. The same method is employed for probes measuring the oesophageal
temperature.
However, such invasive temperature measurement methods require specific equipment and
expertise.
- Rectal thermometry
Rectal temperature adjusts slowly in comparison to the evolution of the body's internal tem-
perature.
It has been demonstrated that rectal temperature remains raised long after the internal tempe-
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rature of the patient has started to drop and vice versa. Furthermore, rectal perforations have
been known to occur as a result of this method and without appropriate sterilisation techniques,
rectal thermometry can spread germs often found in faeces.
- Oral thermometry
Oral temperature is easily influenced by recent ingestion of food or drinks and by breathing
through the mouth. To measure oral temperature, the mouth must remain closed and the
tongue lowered for three to four minutes which is a difficult task for young children to accom-
plish.
- Axillary (armpit) temperature
Although it may be easy to measure axillary temperature, it has been proven that it does not
provide an accurate measurement of the child's internal temperature. To take this type of tem-
perature, the thermometer must be wedged tightly over the axillary artery. Despite the low sen-
sitivity and relative inaccuracy of axillary temperature in detecting fever, this method is recom-
mended by The American Academy of Pediatrics as a screening test for fever in newborns.
- Tympanic thermometry
In order to obtain a precise temperature reading, good command of the measurement tech-
nique is required. The thermometer probe must be placed as close as possible to the warmest
part of the external ear canal. An incorrectly placed probe could lead to a false temperature
reading.
Advantages of temporal artery (TA) temperature Infrared arterial temperature can be measured
using a device placed on the forehead, in the temporal artery region. It has been demonstrated
that this relatively new method of measuring temperature is more precise than tympanic ther-
mometry and better tolerated than rectal thermometry.
The MyThermo BW-CX10 thermometer has been designed to produce an instant forehead tem-
perature reading without any contact with the temporal artery. As this artery is quite close to the
surface of this skin and therefore accessible and given the blood flow is permanent and regu-
lar, it allows precise measurement of the temperature. This artery is linked to the heart by the
carotid artery which is directly linked to the aorta. It forms part of the main trunk of the arterial
system. The efficiency, speed and comfort of taking a temperature from this area make it ideal
compared with other temperature measurements methods.
Practical considerations when taking a temperature
- In order to ensure that precise and accurate temperature measurements are obtained, it is
essential that each user has received adequate information on and training in the temperature
measurement technique when using such a device.
- It is essential to remember that although procedures such as taking a temperature may be
simple they must not be trivialised.
- Temperature should be taken in a neutral context. The patient must not have undertaken vigo-
rous physical activity prior to taking his/her temperature and the room temperature must be
moderate.
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