How do I make sure my infrared thermometer is accurate?

The best way to control the emissivity and temperature of a surface, ensuring that you get the true reading of an infrared thermometer, is by using a solid black body. This minimises most external factors and prevents the temperature from changing too quickly.

Do I need to calibrate my infrared thermometer?

Infrared thermometers cannot typically be calibrated at home, but they are known for their low drift. If the results of your ice bath test are within your unit’s manufacturer’s listed specification, you are good to go.

What is normal forehead temperature with infrared thermometer?

between 91F and 94F
It would be normal to read an actual forehead skin surface temperature between 91F and 94F if using a general-purpose infrared thermometer. Some infrared thermometers have an “adjustable emissivity feature”. Some are factory set for emissivity of 0.95, or in the case of our IRFS, 0.97.

How do I know if my infrared thermometer has a fever?

Keep the device around 5 cm from the forehead to get accurate readings. Place the thermometers close to the area of measurements such as wrists or forehead. Ideally, maintain a gap of 5 cm between the two. Gently push the trigger and measure the temperature as shown on the LCD screen.

How accurate is a forehead thermometer?

An armpit (axillary) temperature is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature.

How do I know if my thermometer is accurate?

The ice bath test is the easiest way to test a thermometer for accuracy, assuming your thermometer will display temperatures of 32°F or less. The advantage of this method is that an accurate thermometer will always read 32°F in a properly made ice bath regardless of altitude or atmospheric pressure.

Can forehead thermometers be wrong?

The National Institute of Health research said that a forehead thermometer’s readings can become inaccurate if the child’s forehead is sweating or if the child is moving. It is difficult to keep a child still, especially during a doctor’s visit, and sweat on the forehead is associated with fever.

What forehead temperature is too low?

Hypothermia is a medical emergency, which if left untreated can lead to brain damage and cardiac failure. Body temperature below 95°F (35°C) is considered abnormally low, and the condition is known as hypothermia.

Is a mouth or forehead thermometer more accurate?

Rectal temps are the most accurate. Forehead temps are the next most accurate. Oral and ear temps are also accurate if done properly. Temps done in the armpit are the least accurate.

Are forehead temperatures accurate?

Forehead temps are the next most accurate. Oral and ear temps are also accurate if done properly. Temps done in the armpit are the least accurate. Armpit temps are useful for screening at any age.