Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer - Best for Quick, Unobtrusive Forehead Screening
A swift and gentle forehead thermometer that uses a temporal artery scan for a quick, reliable reading with minimal disruption, ideal for initial fever checks.
- +Very fast swipe-based reading across the forehead, usually within seconds
- +Minimal disturbance, often allowing temperature checks without waking a child
- +Backlit display and optional mute function for versatile use in any setting
- -Requires a relatively still subject and proper swiping technique for accuracy
- -Not fully non-contact; the probe tip must gently touch the forehead skin
- -Considered a screening tool; pediatricians may recommend a rectal follow-up for infants
The Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer is the optimal choice for rapid, low-disturbance temperature screening, particularly for children. Unlike non-contact models that take a single-point reading, this device requires a gentle swipe across the forehead, capturing heat from the temporal artery. This method is very fast, typically yielding a result in mere seconds, and is so gentle that it often does not wake a sleeping child, making it an excellent first-line tool for concerned parents. The device features a backlit display for easy nighttime viewing and allows the audible fever alert to be muted.
It provides consistent and accurate readings when used correctly, with the ability to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius. Its primary role is as a screening instrument; for babies under three months, or when a precise measurement is critical, pediatricians still recommend confirming with a rectal thermometer. The technique requires the child's head to be reasonably still during the brief swipe, and the probe must maintain light contact with the skin along the path from the center of the forehead to the temple. For older infants, toddlers, and adults, it provides a reliable and convenient way to monitor for fevers with minimal fuss.