. 
Thermofocus Infrared Thermometer FAQ's
Q. Is the Thermofocus safe to use?
A. The Thermofocus uses infrared technology, and the beams are absolutely harmless. No harm can be caused should the aiming lights be accidentally pointed in the eyes or elsewhere.
Q. How does Thermofocus work?
A. Thermofocus enables the temperature of adults and children to be taken without touching the skin, simply by moving the thermometer close to the forehead at the distance indicated by the device. It uses infrared emissions from the body, in particular the forehead.
Q. Why take the temperature at the forehead?
A. The forehead is the ideal part of the body from which to take a temperature because it is supplied by the temporal artery, which receives blood through the aorta and the carotid artery, guaranteeing a considerable flow of blood. Moreover, the forehead is the only part of the body close to the brain that is not covered in hair.
The brain is the most important and delicate organ in the body, and the one most liable to damage from excessive temperature. Furthermore, the head is the first part of the body to modify its temperature in the case of a fever, whether rising or falling.
Q. How accurate is the Thermofocus?
A. Taking the temperature at the temporal artery (forehead) is deemed as accurate as a rectal thermometer, and more accurate than ear thermometers.
Q. Is the Thermofocus for everyone?
A. Thermofocus can be used by people of all ages, and is a must have for every family’s medicine cabinet. It is used and recommended by doctors and pediatricians all over the world.
Q. Why is Thermofocus recommended for infants?
A. Unlike rectal thermometers, Thermofocus is totally non-contact and non invasive. There is no need to place the thermometer in any part of your baby’s body, and a sleeping baby will not be woken.
Q. How fast is the Thermofocus?
A. With each reading, Thermofocus carries out every hundredth of a second, a sequence of 125 readings which are amplified and computer by its sophisticated microprocessor, together with the value of the ambient room temperature, until the correct temperature is shown on the display.
Q. Does the Thermofocus take the temperature of things other than people?
A. The Themofocus 1500 model can take the temperature of the room, or other objects, such as babies’ food, bottle or bath water.
Q. Can a person take their own temperature?
A. It’s possible to look in a mirror to be sure that the Thermofocus aiming lights are properly aligned and that the device is the correct distance from the forehead, and then to activate the unit to take your own temperature.
Q. What types of things can affect the accuracy of a forehead reading with the Thermofocus?
A. The following circumstances can affect a reading: a perspiring forehead; exertion, drafts or extreme room temperatures, cold forehead compress, covering of forehead with hat or scarf, head or facial hair, oil or makeup, bathing, showering, shampooing, and generally conditions that would alter the external temperature of the forehead.
Q. How long will the batteries last?
A. For normal use, the (4) AAA batteries should last for about 10,000 readings.
Q. Is the Thermofocus always ready to take a temperature?
A. When you press the “face” button (in model 1500), the LED display comes on and the unit is ready to take a temperature. If it is not used for a few minutes, it will go on “standby” and show the ambient room temperature. In the case of moving the device from one temperature extreme to another, it may take a little time to recalibrate before being ready to take a person’s temperature.
Q. Can you take readings elsewhere on the body with Thermofocus?
A. In cases where taking the temperature at the forehead is difficult or impossible, you can use the Thermofocus to take temperatures at the armpit (axillaries) or at the navel. However, the accuracy of these measurements may not be guaranteed the same as for forehead readings.
Q. Is the Thermofocus approved by the FDA?
A. Yes, it is a Class II Medical Device and has FDA approval.
Q. Is the Thermofocus guaranteed?
A. Thermofocus comes with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty, and is backed by the Kid-Med brand name.
