The Lumeon Infrared Tympanic Electronic Thermometer is a clinical instrument designed for fast, accurate, and convenient measurement of patient temperatures. This device measures temperature from the ear canal and offers various equivalence modes to display temperatures as if they were taken orally, axillary, core, or rectally, making it versatile for different clinical needs.
Function Description:
The core function of the Lumeon thermometer is to measure tympanic temperature using infrared technology. It employs a patented Peak Select System, which enhances accuracy by taking multiple readings (up to 100) and automatically selecting the most accurate temperature for display, thereby reducing technique errors. This differs from other systems that may use fewer readings. The thermometer is designed to be used with disposable, single-use probe covers, which serve as an infection control barrier and ensure accurate heat transmission from the patient to the device.
The device offers several equivalence modes:
- Ear (EAR) mode: Displays the absolute tympanic temperature without adjustment.
- Oral (ORL) mode: Adjusts the tympanic temperature to display an oral equivalent (Ear Mode + 0.60°C).
- Axillary (AX) mode: Adjusts the tympanic temperature to display an axillary equivalent (Ear Mode + 0.04°C). This mode is recommended for neonates as it aligns with current standards for this population.
- Core (CORE) mode: Adjusts the tympanic temperature to display a core temperature equivalent (Ear Mode + 1.04°C).
- Rectal (REC) mode: Adjusts the tympanic temperature to display a rectal temperature equivalent (Ear Mode + 1.16°C).
The thermometer provides both audible and visual indications when temperature acquisition is complete. It features a temperature measurement range of 33.0°C to 42.0°C (91.4°F to 107.6°F).
Usage Features:
The Lumeon thermometer is designed for ease of use and convenience in a clinical setting.
- Fast Temperature Acquisition: It acquires temperature very quickly, meeting CEN and ASTM standards.
- Probe Cover System: It uses disposable probe covers that are specifically designed for this thermometer to ensure accuracy and prevent cross-contamination. The base unit protects the thermometer tip and stores probe covers for easy access. After use, probe covers are ejected by pressing a dedicated button and disposed of as infectious biological waste.
- Temperature Display Toggle: Once a temperature is displayed, the user can press and hold the °C/°F button to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.
- Temperature Recall: After a temperature is acquired, the thermometer enters an "off" mode after about 10 seconds. The last measured temperature can be recalled by pressing and releasing the scan button or by pressing and holding the °C/°F button.
- Sleep Mode: To conserve battery life, the thermometer enters sleep mode after 30-40 seconds of non-use. It can be reactivated by ejecting an attached probe cover or installing a new one.
- Pulse Timer Mode: The device includes a pulse timer function that runs from 0 to 60 seconds, providing single beeps at 15 seconds, dual beeps at 30 seconds, triple beeps at 45 seconds, and four beeps at 60 seconds, which can be useful for manual pulse rate measurements.
- LCD Display with Icons and Alarms: The thermometer features an easy-to-read LCD display that communicates operational status, temperature readings, and various alarm conditions (e.g., patient temperature above/below specified range, ambient temperature above/below specified range, low battery, dead battery, and system errors) through icons and audible signals.
- Ambidextrous Design: The unit is designed to be comfortable for both left- and right-handed users.
- Improved Probe Design: The probe design is optimized for ease of use, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Biotech Mode: This mode allows selection of operational modes and verification of the installed software version. Settings in biotech mode are stored in nonvolatile memory and retained even after battery changes. This mode is accessed by pressing and holding the timer and °C/°F buttons for four seconds.
Maintenance Features:
The Lumeon thermometer is designed for straightforward maintenance to ensure longevity and accuracy.
- Cleaning: The thermometer housing can be wiped clean with a damp cloth using common cleaning agents. Water temperature should not exceed 55°C (130°F). It should not be soaked, rinsed, or submerged. The probe tip, especially the lens, can be cleaned with a lint-free swab or lens wipe to remove debris and fingerprints, which are crucial for proper operation. Certain harsh disinfectants (like Spray-Nine, Phisohex, Hibiclens, Vesta-Syde) should be avoided as they may damage the case. Occasional use of diluted hypochlorite mixture, isopropyl alcohol, Cidex, ManuKlenz, VIROX, or CaviWipes is acceptable, but prolonged use of these chemicals should be avoided. A cloth or sponge is recommended for cleaning; abrasive pads or cleaners should not be used. The thermometer is non-sterile and should not be sterilized using ethylene oxide gas, heat, autoclave, or other harsh methods. Sufficient drying time is required before use after cleaning.
- Battery Replacement: The thermometer indicates low battery with an icon on the LCD. Approximately 100 temperatures can still be taken after the low battery icon appears before the dead battery icon is displayed, at which point the unit will not function until batteries are replaced. Battery replacement involves unscrewing the battery door, noting the polarity, and installing fresh AAA alkaline batteries.
- Functional Checks: PSS World Medical, Inc. recommends functional checks at 12-month intervals, or more frequently under harsh use or environmental conditions, or if the unit has been dropped or abused. These checks should follow procedures outlined in the Infrared Tympanic Electronic Thermometer Checker Operation Manual.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues such as unusually high/low temperature readings, low/dead battery indicators, blank display, and system errors. For system error "4," the device needs to equilibrate to room temperature for 20 minutes. For other system errors, resetting the thermometer by installing a probe cover is suggested. If issues persist, contacting customer service or the Biomedical Engineering department is recommended.