Infrared ear thermometers--parameters influencing their reading and accuracy.

Infrared ear thermometers (IRETs) are extensively used for measuring the temperature of a human body. For accurate measurements with IRETs they have to be calibrated regularly with an appropriate and traceable calibration system. Such systems are neither widely available nor are there many competent (accredited) laboratories which can provide traceability for IRETs. This paper describes some important influential parameters in the calibration and use of IRETs, which were observed during the extensive research on IRETs and have not been reported in the literature yet. IRET readings, and consequently also their most important metrological characteristics, accuracy and uncertainty of measurement, depend on these influential parameters. According to our findings, we would like to warn users of medical radiation thermometers, not only IRETs but also forehead thermometers and infrared temperature scanning systems, that they should be extremely careful in selection, maintenance and use of medical radiation thermometers. Measurement accuracy, as it is required by several technical standards, is hard to achieve with the majority of currently available medical radiation thermometers.