Contraindications; What Affects Accuracy - Braun ThermoScan PRO 6000 Directions For Use Manual

6. Contraindications

Clinical studies have shown the Braun ThermoScan thermometer can obtain accurate temperature
measurements on full term newborn, pediatric and adult patients. However, there are special situations when
an ear thermometer should not be used. These include, but may not be limited to the following situations:
• Do not use an ear thermometer if there is blood or drainage in the external ear canal.
• An ear thermometer should not be used on a patient who exhibits symptoms of an acute or chronic
inflammatory condition of the external ear canal.
• Common situations like the presence of moderate amounts of cerumen (ear wax) in the ear canal, otitis
media and tympanostomy tubes do not significantly impact temperature readings. However, complete ear
canal occlusion due to cerumen (ear wax) can result in lower temperature readings.
• Use the untreated ear if prescription ear drops or other ear medications have been placed in the ear canal.
• Patients who have deformities of the face and/or ear may not be able to have a temperature taken with an
ear thermometer.
• This thermometer is not intended for pre-term babies or small-for-gestational age babies.

6.1 What affects accuracy

Always use a new disposable probe cover for each measurement to maintain accuracy and hygiene.
The right ear measurement may differ from the measurement taken in the left ear. Therefore, always
take the temperature in the same ear. The ear must be free from obstructions or excess earwax
build-up to take an accurate reading.
External factors may influence ear temperatures, including:
Factor
Used probe cover
Ambient temperature
Wet / dirty / damaged lens
Hearing aid
Lying on pillow
Moderate cerumen (ear wax)
Otitis media (ear infections)
Tympanostomy tubes
In the event of lying on a pillow, ear plugs or hearing aid, remove the individual from the situation
and wait 30 minutes prior to taking a temperature.
Affected Not affected
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