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Need help?Do you have a question about the Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus and is the answer not in the manual?
Identifies and illustrates the physical components of the SureTemp Plus thermometer.
Explains the operation of C/F, Mode Selection, and Recall buttons for thermometer control.
Describes various icons and error messages displayed on the thermometer's LCD screen.
Explains display progress segments and icons for Oral, Axillary, and Rectal modes.
Details indicators for temperature range limits, low battery, and dead battery.
Step-by-step guide for taking oral temperature measurements using the SureTemp Plus.
Step-by-step instructions for performing axillary temperature measurements.
Provides guidance on cleaning the thermometer and probe, and replacing batteries.
The Welch Allyn SureTemp® Plus is a portable thermometer designed for quick and accurate temperature measurements, suitable for use in environments such as Buncombe County EMS. It can measure a patient's temperature in as little as 4-6 seconds, offering both oral and axillary measurement options. The device is designed for ease of use, with clear display indicators and intuitive button functions.
The primary function of the SureTemp® Plus is to provide rapid and accurate temperature readings. It supports two main measurement sites: oral and axillary. The device automatically turns on when the probe is removed from its well and turns off when the probe is returned, helping to conserve battery life. The thermometer displays the measured temperature on an LCD screen, along with various icons indicating the selected measurement mode, battery status, and other relevant information.
The SureTemp® Plus features a Celsius/Fahrenheit toggle button, allowing users to switch between temperature scales at any time a temperature is displayed. A Mode Selection button enables the user to change the current measurement site to Oral, Adult Axillary, or Pediatric Axillary. The selected site is indicated by a flashing body site icon on the display. For instance, when the oral probe is installed, the oral mode icon will flash. If a red probe is used for rectal measurements, no other measurement sites are available.
The device also includes a Recall button, which, when the display is blank, can be pressed to recall the last completed predicted temperature. The recalled temperature, along with the battery icon, temperature scale, mode selection, and probe-position icon (if applicable), will be displayed for five seconds.
During a temperature measurement, "walking" segments appear on the display, indicating that the measurement is in progress. Once the final temperature is reached, the unit will beep three times, and the measurement will be displayed on the screen for 30 seconds.
The SureTemp® Plus also incorporates a Monitor Mode, indicated by a specific icon on the display. This mode is used for continuous temperature monitoring in situations where accurate temperatures are difficult to obtain in Normal Mode. For oral and rectal sites, three minutes of continuous monitoring are recommended for an accurate reading, while for axillary sites, five minutes are recommended.
The SureTemp® Plus is designed for straightforward operation. To begin an oral temperature measurement, ensure the oral probe (with a blue ejection button and probe well) is installed. Removing the probe from its well automatically turns the unit on. The oral mode icon should be flashing on the display; if not, the Mode Selection button should be pressed until the head icon appears. A probe cover is then loaded by inserting the probe into a cover and pressing the probe handle down firmly. The probe tip is placed under the patient's tongue, in the rear sublingual pocket, with the patient's lips closed around the probe. The probe must be held in place, maintaining contact with the oral tissue, until the "walking" segments on the display indicate measurement completion. After the measurement, the probe is removed, and the probe cover is ejected into a waste receptacle by pressing the ejection button. Returning the probe to its well turns the device off and resets it for the next measurement.
For axillary temperature measurements, the process is similar. The oral probe should be installed, and removing it from the well will turn the unit on. The appropriate axillary model icon (Adult Axillary for patients 18 years or older, or Pediatric Axillary for patients 17 years or younger) should be flashing. If not, the Mode Selection button is used to select the correct icon. A probe cover is loaded, and the probe is placed as high as possible in the patient's axilla, with the arm held snugly at the patient's side to prevent movement. The "walking" segments will appear during measurement. Once the measurement is complete, the unit beeps, the temperature is displayed, the probe is removed, the cover ejected, and the probe returned to its well to turn off the device and reset it.
The device provides several display indicators to inform the user about its status. An "Instrument Malfunction" icon indicates that the device is not working properly, prompting the user to contact customer service. A "Broken Probe" icon suggests that the probe needs replacement or service. A "Loss of Tissue Contact" icon appears if the probe loses contact with the patient's tissue, disappearing once proper contact is re-established and reappearing at the end of the measurement, recommending a new reading.
Other indicators include "Patient Temperature Is Lower than Measurement Range Limit" or "Ambient Temperature Exceeds Upper Measurement Range Limit," which alert the user to readings outside the normal operating range. A "Low Battery" indicator shows a single flashing segment on the battery symbol, signifying that batteries should be replaced soon, though normal operation is not affected. A "Dead Battery" indicator, an open battery symbol, means the device will not operate, and batteries must be replaced immediately.
Maintaining the Welch Allyn SureTemp® Plus involves simple cleaning and battery replacement procedures. For cleaning, the thermometer can be wiped with a cloth dampened with warm water and mild detergent. Both the thermometer and probe can be cleaned with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution, a 10% chlorine bleach solution, or a non-staining disinfectant. It is crucial not to immerse or soak the thermometer or probe in any type of fluid.
To replace the batteries, first remove the box of probe covers. Then, press inward on the textured grips on the side of the thermometer to remove the back cover. The unit uses three AA batteries. After replacing the batteries, snap the cover back into place and replace the box of probe covers. These maintenance steps ensure the continued functionality and hygiene of the device.
General| Measurement Method | Oral, Axillary, Rectal |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.2°F (±0.1°C) |
| Display | LCD |
| Power Source | 3 AA batteries |
| Memory | Last temperature recall |
| Battery Life | Approximately 6, 000 readings |
| Waterproof | No |
| Auto Power Off | Yes (After approximately 30 seconds of inactivity) |
| Temperature Range | 80 °F to 110 °F (26.7 °C to 43.3 °C) |
