In the 5-plus years that I've been blessed to be a mom, we've used at least 4 different thermometers. When sick, my babies endured a rectal thermometer (because it was supposed to be the most accurate at that age). We graduated from that (thankfully!) to an ear thermometer. Though it was less invasive, it didn't work as well on little ears and it seemed to vary widely depending on the angle that it entered the ear canal (plus, there was just a lot of ear-pulling!). I then found a different thermometer that could handle oral, axillary or rectal temperatures in an average of 30 seconds. I thought I finally had found something better. But my children weren't always crazy about sitting still for 30-60 seconds while it took a reading. The readings sometimes seemed inconsistent (and I had to always remind myself that an underarm measurement required a one-degree-shift).I seriously dislike germs and I try to keep my kids as healthy as possible. When they're being attacked by illness, I just want to make it better - and quickly! So when my son faced 4 straight days of fever this fall, I quickly grew tired of waiting up to one full minute for a semi-consistent temperature reading. My friend Tracy sympathized, then began telling me about the new "tool" in her bag of tricks - the Exergen Temporal Scanner.
I had heard about temporal artery thermometers when they were new and wondered how well they worked. I thought they might have some of the same issues as ear thermometers, and I didn't want to get stuck with another bum thermometer. She assured me it was worth a try - they used theirs often and found it was incredibly fast and consistent.
I contacted Exergen and asked if they would be kind enough to let me test drive one of their Temporal Scanners. They were happy to oblige and even agreed to share one with a winning reader!
But first, here's what I learned on our recent Exergen Temporal Scanner test-drive:
It takes only seconds to get a temperature reading (only as long as it takes you to scan the skin from the middle of the forehead to one temple). The thermometer will beep with every scan to let you know it's working.
It's non-invasive. It swipes across the forehead, which is always accessible. I don't have to stick it anywhere uncomfortable and try to keep it there for any period of time! Hallelujah!
The reading is accurate - no adding or subtracting a degree like when you take a rectal or axillary measurement. As long as you follow the directions (there are special considerations for sweaty or slept-on foreheads, etc.), the readings are fairly consistent. (I've found that at times, one side of the head is slightly warmer than another! My left temple gave a 98.8 reading and my right temple a 98.5 reading).
Sick kids appreciate a quick reading - and moms do, too. My children LOVE this thermometer - and will ask to have their temperature taken even if they're not sick! I'm just relieved that I no longer have to wait impatiently for an answer!
No accessories required - There are no special protective covers to purchase!
The thermometer works well for any age. Though kids especially appreciate it, I've even used it on myself and my husband. It's nice to avoid sticking a thermometer in your mouth when it's not necessary. And we tried it out on my 4-month niece while she was sleeping (it didn't wake her).
Some things to keep in mind:
Technology like this is an investment. Exergen Temporal Scanners are sold for around $30-35 at Babies R Us, Costco, Sam's Club, Toys R Us, Walgreens and Walmart. There is also currently a $5 rebate through Dec 31, 2009 (every little bit helps)! When I priced them out, I found Sam's Club has one of the lower prices at $28.46 ($23.46 after the rebate).
You'll need to follow the directions. Hold the thermometer against the middle of the forehead, press the button, scan to one temple and release the button before pulling away. You'll want to practice it a few times to get the method right, AND to find out what each family member's baseline temperature is when they're healthy.
There's no backlight, so you won't be able to read it well in the dark.
It beeps as it takes 1,000 readings per second. The beeping is soft and it lets you know that it's working, but it's fast and repetitive. If you're looking for a silent thermometer, this isn't it.
Have you tried an Exergen Temporal Scanner - or do you use one? Would you like to win one? I'll be accepting entries through Tuesday, December 22 at 10:00 pm EST. One entry per family, please!
* This giveaway is now over. Thanks!
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