Welch Allyn 9020 Manual page 28

Welch Allyn 9020 Infrared Tympanic Thermometer
PROBLEM
Low
Temperatures
Inconsistent
Results of
Repeated
Temperatures
24
SOLUTION
Improper technique. Insert probe snugly into ear,
completely closing off ear canal.
If ear canal is curved significantly, sensor's view of
the tympanic membrane may be obstructed. Gently
pull up and back on external ear to straighten ear
canal before inserting probe.
Debris on probe sensor lens. Clean lens. See "Main-
tenance" section of this manual for procedure.
Probe tip not installed securely; hand tighten tip
(clockwise) until snug against base of probe. See
"Maintenance" section of this manual for procedure.
Check current operation mode of the 9020. Oral
mode obtains lower temperatures than core and
rectal modes (test mode is used for calibration only).
Not enough time elapsed since last temperature
taken (same ear). Insertion of probe results in slight
"draw down" of ear canal temperature. Wait 2 min-
utes to allow temperature to stabilize between re-
peated temperature measurements in the same ear,
or use patient's opposite ear.
Improper scanning technique. Insert probe snugly
into ear, completely closing off ear canal.
If ear canal is curved significantly, sensor's view of
the tympanic membrane may be obstructed. Gently
pull up and back on external ear to straighten ear
canal before inserting probe.