Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

AMITemp® & AMITemp® Wearables

Is this simple device accurate?

How do these products differ from the disposable products we’ve used in the past (with unsatisfactory results)?

We currently use tympanic (or electronic predictive, or digital electronic, or glass) thermometers. Why should I consider changing to single-use thermometers?

Why should we use AMITemp® Wearables on newborns, children, adolescents and other selected patients where the axilla (or groin) is a proper site for temperature measurement?

How can AMITemp® single-use (disposables) thermometers be cost-effective when compared to "free" electronic predictive or tympanic thermometers we use with probe covers?

We already use another system in our hospital, so why and where would we consider AMITemp^®?

What special reasons exist for including AMITemp^® in our hospital thermometry program?

Do these devices require re-calibration?

Q. Is this simple device accurate?

A. AMITemp^® is possibly the most accurate thermometer you’ll ever use for the following reasons:

Each green dot on the grid is a separate thermometer. It is precisely set to react at one specific temperature, a temperature which is 0.2° F (0.1°C) higher than the dot which precedes it on the grid and 0.2° F (0.1°C) lower than the dot ahead of it. It reads temperature directly and does not "predict it" as do electronic and tympanic thermometers.
Familiar site of use coupled with simple in-service and regular pattern recognition results in a more reproducible temperature, better trending with less operator dependency, and fewer retakes, saving time and money.
Batches of 50,000 thermometers are tested in multiple water baths for accuracy. If even one of the more than 500 randomly sampled devices fails to measure temperature precisely across the ASTM prescribed range, the entire batch is "failed".

Q. How do these products differ from the disposable products we’ve used in the past (with unsatisfactory results)?

A. The product you may have used is a predecessor device, an older generation thermometer (often sold under the brand Temp-a-Dot^®). AMITemp^® is the next generation of single-use thermometers, improved because:

AMITemp^® does not require controlled storage conditions; it can be carried in uniform pockets, left on windowsills, kept in warm automobiles or ambulances, used in all environments.
AMITemp^® will not overfire if left in place longer than the recommended 60 seconds in the mouth or 3 minutes under the arm. Temp-a-Dot^® will overfire by at least 0.6°F or 0.3°C if left in place longer than the prescribed dwell time.
AMITemp^® has a shelf life of at least 5 years and will retain its accuracy even if exposed to temperatures as high as 120°F for up to 10 years. Temp-a-Dot^® has a limited shelf life (2 years under extremely controlled storage conditions) and must be refrigerated for 24 hours and allowed to "recover" if it pre-fires in conditions above 96°F. Even after the recovery process, accuracy is still not restored.

Q. We currently use tympanic (or electronic predictive, or digital electronic, or glass) thermometers. Why should I consider changing to AMITemp^® single-use thermometers?

A. The most compelling reason to change to AMITemp^® single-use thermometers is enhanced infection control.

Currently in the U.S., hospital-acquired infections have reached epidemic proportions. Over 80,000 patients die annually from hospital-acquired infections often caused by MRSA (Methicillin resistant staphylococcus), VRE (Vancomycin resistant enterococcus), and MRTB (Multi-antibiotic resistant TB). These infections can also cause extended hospital stays which average over $40,000 each for a national total exceeding $4 billion.
Among other items, thermometer probes, cords, and "boxes" have been implicated in the potential spread of infection from bed to bed. Colonized caregivers and instrument surfaces can provide the infectious agents to immunosuppressed patients in isolation and ICU without being infected themselves. Since it is unlikely and often impractical that caregivers will disinfect hands or instruments between each and every patient, nor will they routinely use gloves for this procedure, it is easy to suspect temperature taking as a source of these burgeoning statistics. AMITemp^® reduces the risk of carrying "bugs" from bed to bed.
Avoidance of even one hospital acquired infection can pay for a whole year’s supply of single-use thermometers.

Q. Why should we use AMITemp^® Wearables on newborns, children, adolescents and other selected patients where the axilla (or groin) is a proper site for temperature measurement?

A. AMITemp^® Wearables represent the first real advance in temperature taking technique since the introduction of tympanic thermometry over 12 years ago!

AMITemp^® Wearables provide a constant, wearable source of accurate temperature measurement in hairless (or shaved) axillas.
Temperatures are virtually instant and extremely reliable because the thermometer remains in place for up to 48 hours rather than to be used by various operators, with varying techniques at unpredictable intervals. Most axillary temps are taken improperly, because proper dwell times (minimum 5 minutes, optimum 11 minutes) are usually unfeasible. Continuous temperature overcomes this former failing of the axillary protocol.
Because an unlimited number of temperature readings may be taken within the 48-hour period of emplacement (an average of at least 6 per day is likely), AMITemp^® Wearables often represent the lowest cost per temperature option.
Non-compliant patients, those who are intubated or cannulated, patients in post anesthesia care units, ICU patients and others who can benefit from non-intrusive procedures may have underarm areas shaved to accommodate AMITemp^® Wearables.
AMITemp^® Wearables’ extended range (94 F° to 104.8 F°, 35 C° to 41.9 C°) provides a true, continuous reading hypothermic thermometer.

Q. How can AMITemp^® single-use (disposable) thermometers be cost-effective when compared to "free" electronic predictive or tympanic thermometers we use with probe covers?

A. AMITemp^® usually costs about the same as the probe cover alone and probe covers can’t take temperatures. Other major points to be considered include:

No hardware means no capital equipment cost, no warranty charges, and no need to constantly recalibrate units. There is no involvement of the biomedical engineering department, no search for lost or stolen instruments, no need to set up computerized access tracking systems, no forced obsolescence, etc. - all of which add to the real cost of taking each temperature.
Caregivers can have instant access to thermometers simultaneously. No waiting for return of the only instrument in the department, no harried room-to-room searches for misplaced devices, no administrative threats about payment for lost or stolen instruments last seen on their floor, etc. The result is greatly improved efficiency.
Even when compared to predecessor single-use thermometers (Temp-a-Dot^®), AMITemp^® represents approximate direct comparative savings of about 20% due to the loss of product attributable to pre-firing in ambient conditions. Much of the Temp-a-Dot^® product is wasted rather than taking the time to "reclaim" it.
AMITemp^® is very likely the lowest-cost-option for routine temperature taking throughout the facility.

Q. We already use a system in our hospital, so why and where would we consider AMITemp^®?

A. AMITemp^® is the ideal "alternative thermometry system", which can be easily added to your current standard for the following reasons:

It provides an instant answer to those hard-to-take temps in the nursery, isolation, blood bank, PACU, ER, dialysis, and other specialty areas.
It requires no hardware purchase or re-training.
It takes advantage of familiar procedures, offers low cost and causes minimal disturbance in routine.
It represents an inexpensive opportunity to compare methods for better infection control and improved efficiency.

Q. What special reasons exist for including AMITemp^® in our hospital thermometry program?

A. AMITemp^® provides a unique opportunity to extend safe and accurate temperature taking to the community.

Because AMITemp^® (and its adhesive companion product, AMITemp^® Wearables) are also available in a reusable format for consumers, caregivers can teach proper temperature techniques at discharge and can thereby improve the temperature taking reliability of parents, the elderly, and other hard to teach groups when temperatures must be taken at home, on vacation, during emergencies, etc. The specter of toxic glass mercury and dangerous button battery digital thermometers can be eradicated with simple and inexpensive next generation thermometry.

Q. Do these devices require re-calibration?

A. Single-use thermometers do not go out of calibration due to handling, dropping, electronic malfunctions, etc. Over the potential 10-year maximum shelf life, each device retains its accuracy despite repeated storage temperature cycling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consumer FAQ

How accurate are these thermometers?

Where can I find these products?

Why should I consider using AMITemp personal thermometers?

Can AMITemp® Wearables be used on newborns?

Q. How accurate are these thermometers?

A. AMITemp^® and AMITemp^® Wearables may be the most accurate thermometers ever developed. These Precision Phase Change (PPC), dot-matrix thermometers have been proven under clinical conditions and meet stringent ASTM accuracy requirements. Normal oral temperature will range from 97° F to 99° F and 36.5° C to 37.5° C.

Q. Where can I find these products?

A. AMITemp^® and AMITemp^® Wearables are located at fine drugstores and pharmacies. You can rest assured that if the store nearest you doesn’t have it, participating stores can order it for you by contacting Advanced Meditech International at amitemp@ameditech.com.

Q. Why should I consider using AMITemp^® personal thermometers?

A. They are the non-toxic, non-breakable replacement for dangerous glass-mercury thermometers. Easier to read, safer, uncomplicated and more accurate than alternative thermometers.

Q. Can AMITemp^® Wearables be used on newborns?

A. AMITemp^® Wearables are safe to use with full-term infants (usually weighing 7-8 pounds or more) on healthy, intact skin. The heart-shaped thermometer is to be placed high in the axilla to measure "captive" heat when covered by the arm and/or clothing. This product is not currently recommended for use on pre-term infants.

Q. Can I bathe the child while wearing an AMITemp^® Wearable?

A. The AMITemp^® Wearable should remain intact while bathing the child. In the event that it comes off, the thermometer can be wiped off and re-applied to dry skin for the balance of the 48-hour period.