EKLA - disposable thermometer - Frequently Asked Questions

Is this simple device accurate?

How do these products differ from the disposable products we’ve used in the past (with unsatisfactory results)?

We currently use tympanic (or electronic predictive, or digital electronic, or glass) thermometers. Why should I consider changing to single-use thermometers?

Why should we use TraxIt^Ž on newborns, children, adolescents and other selected patients where the axilla (or groin) is a proper site for temperature measurement?

How can NexTemp^Ž single-use (disposable) thermometers be cost-effective when compared to "free" electronic predictive or tympanic thermometers we use with probe covers?

We already use a system in our hospital, so why and where would we consider NexTemp^Ž?

What special reasons exist for including NexTemp^Ž in our hospital thermometry program?

Do these devices require re-calibration?

Q. Is this simple device accurate?

A. NexTemp is possibly the most accurate thermometer you’ll ever use for the following reasons:

Each green dot on the grid is a separate thermometer. It is precisely set to react at one specific temperature, a temperature which is 0.2°F (0.1°C) higher than the dot which precedes it on the grid and 0.2°F (0.1°C) lower than the dot ahead of it. It reads temperature directly and does not "predict it" as do electronic and tympanic thermometers

Familiar site of use coupled with simple in-service and regular pattern recognition results in a more reproducible temperature, better trending with less operator dependency, and fewer retakes, saving time and money.

Batches of 50,000 devices are tested in multiple water baths for accuracy. If even one of the more than 500 randomly sampled devices fails to measure temperature precisely across the ASTM prescribed range, the entire batch is "failed".

Q. How do these products differ from the disposable products we’ve used in the past (with unsatisfactory results)?

A. The product you may have used is a predecessor device, an older generation thermometer (Temp-a-Dot^Ž). NexTemp is the next generation of single-use thermometers, improved because of the following:

It does not require controlled storage conditions; it can be carried in uniform pockets, left on windowsills, kept in warm automobiles or ambulances, and used in all environments.

It will not "overfire" if left in place longer than the recommended 60 seconds in the mouth or 3 minutes under the arm. Temp-a-Dot will overfire by at least 0.6°F or 0.3°C if left in place longer than the prescribed dwell time.

It has a shelf-life of at least 5 years and will retain its accuracy even if exposed to temperatures as high as 120°F. Temp-a-Dot has a limited shelf life (2 years under extremely controlled storage conditions) and must be refrigerated for 24 hours and allowed to "recover" if it pre-fires in conditions above 96°F. Even after the recovery process, accuracy is still not restored.

Q. We currently use tympanic (or electronic predictive, or digital electronic, or glass) thermometers. Why should I consider changing to single-use thermometers?

A. The most compelling reason to change to NexTemp single-use thermometers is enhanced infection control.

Currently, hospital-acquired infections have reached epidemic proportions. Over 80,000 patients die annually from hospital-acquired infections often caused by MRSA (Methicillin resistant staphylococcus), VRE (Vancomycin resistant enterococcus), and MRTB (Multi-antibiotic resistant TB). These infections can also cause extended hospital stays which average over $40,000 each for a national total exceeding $4 billion.

Among other items, thermometer probes, cords, and "boxes" have been implicated in the potential spread of infection from bed to bed. Colonized caregivers and instrument surfaces can provide the infectious agents to immunosuppressed patients in isolation and ICU without being infected themselves. Since it is unlikely that caregivers will disinfect hands or instruments between patients, nor will they routinely use gloves for this procedure, it is easy to suspect this procedure as a source of these burgeoning statistics. NexTemp reduces the risk of carrying "bugs" from bed to bed. The bug stops here!

Avoidance of even one hospital acquired infection can pay for a whole year’s supply of single-use thermometers.

Q. Why should we use TraxIt on newborns, children, adolescents and other selected patients where the axilla (or groin) is a proper site for temperature measurement?

A. TraxIt represents the first real advance in temperature taking technique since the introduction of tympanic thermometry over 16 years ago!

TraxIt provides a constant, wearable source of accurate temperature measurement in hairless (or shaved) axillas.

Temperatures are virtually instant and extremely reliable because the same thermometer remains in place for up to 48 hours rather than to be used by various operators, with varying techniques at unpredictable intervals. Most axillary temps are taken improperly because proper dwell times (minimum 5 minutes, optimum 11 minutes) are usually unfeasible. Continuous temperature overcomes this former failing of the axillary protocol.

Because an unlimited number of temperature readings may be taken within the 48-hour period of emplacement (an average of at least 6 per day is likely), TraxIt often represents the lowest cost per temperature option available.

Non-compliant patients (those who are intubated or cannulated, patients in post anesthesia care units, ICU patients, the elderly, and others) can benefit from non-intrusive procedures may have underarm areas shaved to accommodate TraxIt use.

TraxIt’s extended range (94 F° to 104.8 F°) provides a true, continuous reading hypothermic thermometer.

Q. How can NexTemp single-use (disposable) thermometers be cost-effective when compared to "free" electronic predictive or tympanic thermometers we use with probe covers?

A. NexTemp usually costs about the same as the probe cover alone and probe covers can’t take temperatures. Other major points to be considered include:

No hardware means no capital equipment cost, no warranty charges, and no need to constantly recalibrate units. There is no involvement of the biomedical engineering department, no search for lost or stolen instruments, no need to set up computerized access tracking systems, no forced obsolescence, etc. - all of which add to the real cost of taking each temperature.

Caregivers can have instant access to thermometers simultaneously. No waiting for return of the only instrument in the department, no harried room-to-room searches for misplaced devices, no administrative threats about payment for lost or stolen instruments last seen on their floor, etc. This results in greatly improved efficiency.

Even when compared to predecessor single-use thermometers (Temp-a-Dot), NexTemp represents approximate direct comparative savings of about 20% due to the loss of product attributable to pre-firing in ambient conditions. Much of the Temp-a-Dot product is wasted rather than taking the time to "reclaim" it.

NexTemp is very likely the lowest-cost-option for routine temperature taking throughout the facility.

Q. We already use a system in our hospital, so why and where would we consider NexTemp?

A. NexTemp is the ideal "alternative thermometry system", which can be easily added to your current standard for the following reasons:

It provides an instant answer to those hard-to-take temps in the nursery, isolation, blood bank, PACU, ER, dialysis, and other specialty areas.

It requires no hardware purchase or re-training.

It takes advantage of familiar procedures, offers low cost and causes minimal disturbance in routine.

It represents an inexpensive opportunity to compare methods for better infection control and improved efficiency.

Q. What special reasons exist for including NexTemp in our hospital thermometry program?

A. NexTemp provides a unique opportunity to extend safe and accurate temperature taking to the community.

Because NexTemp, and its companion pediatric product, TraxIt, are also available in a reusable format for consumers, caregivers can teach proper temperature techniques at discharge and can thereby improve the temperature taking reliability of parents, the elderly, and other hard to teach groups when temperatures must be taken at home, on vacation, during emergencies, etc. The spectre of toxic glass mercury and dangerous button battery digital thermometers can be eradicated with simple and inexpensive next generation thermometry.

Q. Do these devices require re-calibration?

A. Single-use thermometers do not go out of calibration due to handling, dropping, electronic malfunctions, etc. During the 10-year shelf life, each device retains its accuracy despite repeated storage temperature cycling.