Surgipack 6343 Operating Instructions

SURGIPACK FLEXITIP DIGITAL THERMOMETER
PRODUCT CODE: 6343
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USING

NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE

It is generally accepted that a normal body temperature is 37.0˚C, however body temperature may vary between 36.1˚C and
37.2˚C and still be considered normal. Normal body temperature variations can be attributed to activities such as exercising,
smoking, eating and drinking. Furthermore, one's temperature is generally found to be lower in the morning than in the
afternoon, due to a lower level of activity in the early hours of the morning. Other variations in normal body temperature may be
attributed to the location from which the temperature was taken. For example, a temperature gained (orally) by placing the
thermometer under the tongue, should be 37.0˚C. However, a temperature gained from the rectum would generally be 0.5˚C
higher (37.5˚C), while a temperature gained by placing the thermometer under the arm (axillary) would generally be 0.5˚C
lower (36.5˚C). In addition to the above attributors to body temperature variations, illness may also cause temperature
fluctuations. For example, high body temperature ranging from 37.5˚C to 40.6˚C are generally caused by infection, trauma,
dehydration or heat stroke etc., while a temperature below 36.0˚C could indicate a serious medical condition and as such
treatment by a medical practitioner may be required.

MEASURING BODY TEMPERATURE

There are three common ways for measuring body temperature, they are:

1. ORAL USE

Oral measurement is the most common method for measuring adult temperature. It is done by placing the probe under the
patient's tongue as near as possible to the heat pocket (refer to fig. 1) and held in place,
mouth closed, for approximately 30 seconds. To ensure accuracy, the mouth should be
kept closed for approximately 4 minutes prior to taking a measurement. A normal
temperature by this method should be 35.9 ~ 36.9˚C. This method should not be used on
infants or young children, delirious or unconscious patients, patients with sore mouths or
those who can only breathe through the mouth.
Figure 1: The heat pockets of the mouth.

2. RECTAL USE

A rectal measurement is the most accurate of all readings and is ideal for an unconscious patient or one with hypothermia
(when body temperature is well below normal following exposure to extreme cold). Before insertion, lubricate the probe with
petroleum jelly or water soluble lubricant and gently insert the sensor about 1.2 centimetres (approximately 0.5 inch) into the
patient's rectum and hold the position for approximately 1 minute. A normal temperature by this method is between 36.4˚C and
37.4˚C. Note: Rectal temperatures are generally 0.5˚C higher than oral readings.

3. AXILLARY USE

An axillary measurement, one taken by placing the probe under the arm or groin, is the best method for infants and young
children. For best results, wipe the area first with a dry towel, and then place the probe under the patient's armpit so that the
tip is touching the skin with the thermometer perpendicular to the body. Position the arm across the chest so the probe tip is
covered by the arm and hold in place for approximately 3-4 minutes for greater accuracy. N.B. This form of measuring is the
least accurate method. A normal temperature by this method would be between 35.4˚C and 36.4˚C.
Note: Axillary temperatures are generally 0.5˚C lower than oral readings.

TIME REQUIRED TO GAIN A TEMPERATURE READ OUT

Peak temperature is generally reached within approximately 30 seconds when thermometer is used in the mouth, a little longer
with axillary use (under the arm) and slightly less for rectal use (anally). It is always better to leave the thermometer in place
for 4 minutes before measurement to ensure greater accuracy. When the ambient temperature (surrounding air) is very low,
peak temperature may not be reached even after 4 minutes. Additionally, when the ambient temperature is very high it can be
difficult to get a true reading. The thermometer should be cooled to a temperature below the minimum scale reading, and then
re-set just before insertion. After peak temperature has registered in the body, return the thermometer to the cooling
environment and read it before the ambient air temperature can affect the reading.

FEATURES OF THE SURGIPACK FLEXITIP DIGITAL THERMOMETER