Assessment: Body Temperature – Tympanic Temperature

Follow this step when using tympanic temperature (infrared thermometer) in measuring body temperature:

1. Place patient in "sims" position
2. Remove the probe from container and attach it cover to tympanic thermometer unit
3. Turn patient's head to one side. For an adult: pull pinna upward and back. For a child: pull down and back.
4. Insert probe gently with firm pressure into ear canal
5. Remove prove after reading is displayed on digital unit. It usually needs 2 seconds
6. Return tympanic thermometer to storage unit
7. Record the result and indicate site as "ET"