The MedSource Infrared Non-Contact thermometer is one of the best infrared thermometers on the market.
It helps sense the body temperature without making physical contact with the patient by using an infrared detection system.
It works by determining temperatures using thermal radiation. Once the amount of infrared energy being created is known; it evaluates the temperature.
It then displays the temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit on a user-friendly backlit screen.
In case the temperature is above normal, you will hear an alarm sound.
There are two kinds of temperature modes available: Body and surface. You can also view the history of up to 50 previous readings.
Because of its non-contact nature, it makes use of a laser to point the thermometer at the patient with accuracy, which is why it can also be called a “laser” thermometer.
Its use is common in industries that call for quick and precise temperature readings from a distance for many reasons, such as the surface being unapproachable.
Infrared thermometers operate by making use of the lens to channel the rays through a thermopile, which is a detector system.
This system, in turn, absorbs the IR radiation and converts it to heat, This further transforms into electricity.
It is this electricity that is calculated and shown on the screen. This thermometer can measure any temperature range, whether it is freezing to extremely high temperatures, with ±1°C or ±1.0% accuracy.
There are instructions of usage available in the manual.
The MedSource Infrared Non-Contact thermometer has a wide range of uses, including:
- Cooking and Food Safety: The unit can help chefs check the temperature of the grill or stovetop to ensure proper cooking. It is also useful for monitoring food for its temperature to ensure its compliance with food safety standards.
- Medical: Doctors can use it for measuring animal and human body temperature.
- Home Use: The unit can help identify poor insulation, HVAC-related problems, vehicles, cooking, or crafts such as soap making.
Limitations
Just like any other tool, the Medsource infrared non-contact infrared laser thermometer also comes with some limitations, such as;
- Cannot measure gas or liquids
- Unclean surfaces can give wrong readings
- It can be costly to some
Unique Features
The Medsource infrared laser thermometer comes with a wide range of features that contribute to the excellent functionality and usage of its users. Some key features include:
Temperature Range and Accuracy
This laser thermometer only takes less than a second to check the temperature.
It can detect body temperature from 9.6 °F-109.4 °F with an accuracy of ± 0.6 °F.
This accuracy is super important because when it comes to a patient, identifying their temperature with precision can be a matter of life and death.
Automatic Power-Off
This feature allows the thermometer to shut down automatically in 30 seconds using 2 AA batteries that can amount to about 100,000 uses.
Single-Button
This elegant feature allows the user to check the temperature using just a slight press, after which the device has to be directed to the center of the forehead.
Distance to Spot Ratio
The distance to spot (D:S) ratio is the quantifiable surface area read by the infrared laser thermometer in comparison to the distance of 1.2 to 2 inches.
Two Modes
For use on humans, the user can choose the ‘body’ mode, and for measuring other objects or food, the temperature can be set to ‘surface’ mode.
Comparing Medsource with Competitors
Another reliable infrared non-contact laser thermometer in the market is by iHealth and gives serious competition to the Medsource unit. Here’s how the two compare:
Temperature:
The iHealth thermometer can quickly measure temperatures in under a second without making contact.
The same goes for the Medsource thermometer.
In terms of the distance-to-spot ratio, the iHealth has to be held within 1.18 inches from the center of the forehead for a precise reading, while the Medsource thermometer can be used from 2 inches from the surface.
Innovative Display:
The iHealth thermometer features a bright LCD display with medium-large digits and a color-coded fever indicator that easily lets users understand the results.
In comparison, the Medsource thermometer features extra-large digits with a backlit display, allowing for easy reading at nighttime.
Technology:
iHealth is a no-touch thermometer that is medically approved for its efficiency.
In comparison, Medsource also uses no-touch technology and houses the latest smart chip in the market. It makes use of an optimized algorithm to come up with accurate and faster results.
Easy to Use
Innovative design and easy-to-use one-button control make the iHealth thermometer ideal for use with adults and children.
The Medsource thermometer takes it up by a notch by offering a backlit screen, so the user does not have to face any inconvenience when it’s nighttime.
Customer Service:
iHealth and Medsource both offer a 12-month warranty and friendly customer service, which is operational 24/7.
Issues & Concerns
You might want to acquaint yourself with some concerns before you decide to purchase the Medsource infrared thermometer. These include:
No Confirmation Beep
Unlike the industrial designs out there, the Medsource infrared thermometer does not let out a confirmation beep, which can make it confusing for some users to know when the result has been established.
However, others do not mind the sound alert not being there as it saves some patients, especially kids, from being disturbed.
Temperature Accuracy
Since this infrared thermometer by Medsource is for regular use and is offered at an affordable price range, it does not offer the highest level of precision when it comes to temperature accuracy.
This does not mean that it does not indicate high fever; rather, it might indicate a difference of up to ± 0.6 °F in certain circumstances. In such instances, you do not place it within the directed gap from the patient.
Highest Temperature Measurement
The highest temperature that this thermometer can measure is 109.4°F.
This is indeed a concern, but only if you are looking to extend its use beyond medical use. For checking fever, this will do the job.
Care and Maintenance
For the sake of its continued accuracy, this infrared thermometer must be kept free of dusty or damp conditions.
In case these conditions are unavoidable, always make sure to wipe it clean after usage using a dry cloth.
Regular cleaning should be planned after every six months. You must employ special care to ensure that the infrared lens is free of any kind of residue.
To maintain your infrared thermometer, wipe the surface using a soft fabric or a cotton swab with water or medical alcohol.
Prevent the use of soaps or chemicals. Clean the lens prior to the rest of the body and allow the lens to dry completely before you put your thermometer to work.
Make sure you do not submerge the infrared thermometer into the water. Do not store it below 40°F or above 149°F.
Keep it in a place to ensure protection from any drops or shocks.
To ensure added protection, you can make use of lanyards or wrist-straps.
Warranty
The Medsource infrared non-contact thermometer comes with a 12-month manufacturing warranty, which is pretty generous, considering the time period for returns that other brands have to offer.
Specifications
- Measurement Time: ≤ 1 second
- Measurement Distance: 1.2″ – 2″
- Body Temperature Range: 89.6 °F-109.4 °F
- Ambient Temperature: 50 °F – 104 °F
- Accuracy: ± 0.6 °F
- Automatic Power-Off: < 30 seconds
- Batteries: 2 x AA
- Product Longevity: 100,000 uses
- Product Weight: 3.8 ounces (without batteries)
- Product Size: L 6.1″ x W 3.6″ x H 1.5″
Where to Buy
You can find the Medsource non-contact infrared thermometer here.
