- Which values are normal?
Blood pressure is too high if at rest, the diastolic pressure is above 90mmHg and/or the systolic blood-pressure is over 160mmHg. In this case, please consult your doctor immediately. Long-term values at this level endanger your health due to the associated advancing damage to the blood vessels in your body.
Should the systolic blood-pressure values lie between 140mmHg and 160mmHg and/or the diastolic blood-pressure values lie between 90mmHg and 95mmHg, likewise, please consult your doctor. Furthermore, regular self-checks will be necessary.
With blood-pressure values that are too low, i.e. systolic values under 100mmHg and/or diastolic values under 60mmHg, likewise, please consult your doctor.
Even with normal blood-pressure values, a regular self-check with your blood-pressure monitor is recommended. In this way you can detect possible changes in your values early and react appropriately.
If you are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure, please keep a record of the level of your blood pressure by carrying out regular self-measurements at specific times of the day. Show these values to your doctor. Never use the results of your measurements to alter independently the drug doses prescribed by your doctor.
- What should be considered when doing self-measurement?
It is sensible for patients with high blood pressure to regularly measure their own blood pressure, since this gives the doctor valuable indications about the effectiveness of the treatment. You should record the measurements in a blood pressure record book and also fill in the “Comments” section with observations such as: feeling unwell, dizziness, disrupted sleep, forgotten to take medicine, particular physical or mental problems. It is also important that you always measure your blood pressure on the same arm or wrist, morning and evening at the same time. You should not drink coffee or alcohol beforehand nor should you smoke. Take your blood pressure measurement after a five-minute rest, sitting and in restful surroundings. Make sure that the measurement is taken at the height of the heart if you use a wrist device. Compare your measurement with that taken by your doctor. Finally, you should periodically get your blood pressure device calibrated (every two years). This service can be carried out directly by the specialized shop or manufacturer.
- What is ‘White Coat Hypertension’?
White Coat Hypertension (WCH) is the popular name for the effect that the patients blood pressure might be detected on a higher level when the measurement is performed by a doctor (in his typical white coat) or a nurse. This effect is caused because one often can be excited or nervous during such “official” measurements and the pressure will be accordingly higher. The problem is that the person may not have a pressure that is too high under normal conditions but might be diagnosed as hypertensive based on the doctors measurement. Home devices are the best choice to prevent this “white coat effect”. Some long term studies showed that people who have a higher pressure at the doctor also have a high risk to develop hypertension. Thus, these patients should check their pressure frequently.
- What can be done, if regular increased/low values are obtained?
- Please consult your doctor.
- Increased blood-pressure values (various forms of hypertension) are associated long- and medium term with considerable risks to health. This concerns the arterial blood vessels of your body, which are endangered due to constriction caused by deposits in the vessel walls (Arteriosclerosis). A deficient supply of blood to important organs (heart, brain, muscles) can be the result. Furthermore, with long-term continuously increased blood-pressure values, the heart will become structurally damaged.
- There are many different causes of the appearance of high blood pressure. We differentiate between the common primary (essential) hypertension, and secondary hypertension. The latter group can be ascribed to specific organic malfunctions. Please consult your doctor for information about the possible origins of your own increased blood pressure values.
- There are measures which you can take, not only for reducing a medically established high blood pressure, but also for prevention. These measures are part of your general way of life:
A) Eating habits:
Strive for a normal weight corresponding to your age. Reduce overweight!
Avoid excessive consumption of common salt.
Avoid fatty foods.
B) Previous illnesses Follow consistently any medical instructions for treating previous illness such as:
Diabetes (Diabetes mellitus)
Fat metabolism disorder
Gout
C) Habits:
Give up smoking completely
Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol
Restrict your caffeine consumption (Coffee)
D) Physical constitution:
After a preliminary medical examination, do regular sport.
Choose sports which require stamina and avoid those which require strength.
Avoid reaching the limit of your performance.
With previous illnesses and/or an age of over 40 years, please consult your doctor before beginning your sporting activities. He will advise you regarding the type and extent of types of sport that are possible for you.
- Under which conditions can I get the best possible measurement results?
Measurement Conditions
- You should measure your blood pressure under comparable living situations and under relaxed and quiet conditions at the same time frame of the day, for example every evening about an hour after you had dinner.
- Perform the measurement while sitting in a quiet atmosphere.
- Avoid eating, smoking as well as all forms of exertion directly before measurement.
- Take several minutes rest before measuring.
- Measurement Preparations
- Please confirm that the circumference of your arm or wrist is covered by the range as written on the cuff.
- Fit the cuff as explained in the manual.
- Put on the cuff and secure it tightly but not so tight as to be uncomfortable.
- With upper arm monitors, take care not to restrict the blood flow by pushing up the sleeve too tightly. Thin clothes on the arm do not interfere the accuracy.
- Connect the cuff with the main unit, switch the device on and inflate the cuff pressure according to the manual instructions.
- With wrist monitors, take care that the wrist is at heart level! A 15 cm difference in height would result into a measurement error of 10mmHg!
- During the Measurement
- Avoid any kind of movement.
- Do not activate any of the muscles in the measurement arm.
- Breath normally and do not talk.
- If you want to perform several measurements sequentially, you should wait at least 1 minute between two measurements. Loosen the cuff during this waiting period to enable a normal blood flow.
- On which side should I generally measure my blood pressure, left or right?
Here, we have to distinguish between upper arm and wrist devices.
With upper arm devices, it is in the beginning recommended to perform several measurements on both sides. It is very important that these measurements are all performed under the same conditions. All after a relaxing period, in a sitting position, without talking and so on. If the average of both sides is higher on the left or similar to right, continue your measurements on the left arm. If the average of both sides is higher on the right, continue your measurements on the right arm.
Wrist devices are designed for the measurement performance on the left wrist, only.
- Is it true that blood pressure is mainly measured with the “oscillometric” technique? What does this mean?
In a doctor’s practice or hospital, blood pressure is commonly measured with the conventional “sound method”. Heartbeats are listened to with a stethoscope. These sounds in the blood stream occur in the arteries of the upper arm when the pressure in an inflated blood pressure cuff is slowly released. The first audible beat indicates the systolic blood pressure, the last audible beat indicates the diastolic pressure. Blood pressure measurements are read off a mercury column and are for that reason given as millimeters of a mercury column (mm. Hg).
Oscillometry uses a different measurement principle. Most of the presently available devices for self-measurement use this method. Electronic microprocessors in oscillometric devices calculate blood pressure from the pressure fluctuations (oscillations), which occur due to the pulses in the blood stream. As beats are not relevant in this method, neither a stethoscope nor a microphone (integrated into the blood pressure cuff) is necessary. The blood pressure and pulse rate values can be read off an optical display at the end of measurement. Although these devices do not contain a mercury column, they show blood pressure in mm Hg. With irregular pulse rates it is recommended that a doctor takes the measurement.
- Is it possible for my blood pressure to drop too low due to treatment?
Blood pressure may sometimes drop too low due to treatment. This can lead to dizziness when standing up quickly or bending down, extreme tiredness and lack of energy. If you notice these typical symptoms of too low a blood pressure (hypotension), you should talk to your doctor about a possible adjustment of the treatment. However, if you have low blood pressure without any problems, no changes to treatment are necessary.
- I understand that blood pressure varies over the day and I get different results, accordingly. But how high is my blood pressure really, then?
The average of several results, obtained on several days, under comparable living situations and during the same time frame of the day represents your individual blood pressure.
Measure, for example, an hour after you had dinner on three sequential days and you will not find significant differences. The average of these results represents your blood pressure.
- How long should I wait between measurements?
If you want to perform several measurements sequentially, you should wait at least 1 minute between two measurements. Loosen the cuff during this waiting period to enable a normal blood flow.
- How does high/low blood-pressure arise?
The level of blood-pressure is determined in a part of the brain, the so-called circulatory centre, and adapted to the respective situation by way of feedback via the nervous system.
To adjust the blood-pressure, the strength and frequency of the heart (Pulse), as well as the width of circulatory blood vessels is altered. The latter is effected by way of fine muscles in the blood-vessel walls.
The level of arterial blood-pressure changes periodically during the heart activity: During the ‘Blood ejection’ (Systole) the value is maximal (systolic blood-pressure value), at the end of the heart’s ‘rest period’ (Diastole) minimal (diastolic blood-pressure value).
The blood-pressure values must lie within certain normal ranges in order to prevent particular diseases.
- Does blood pressure depend on the age?
In the average population, the blood pressure in the elderly is higher than that in younger ages. This is based on reduced blood vessel elasticity in higher ages.
But in any case, the blood pressure should not frequently move above 140 / 90 mmHg even in higher age groups.
Blood Pressure Health
Blood Pressure Products
Respiratory Care
Thermometry
Blood Pressure Health
Blood Pressure Products
- Why and when should I send the device in for an accuracy check?
MICROLIFE’s blood pressure monitors are developed to remain accurate for a long product life. To guarantee this accuracy we recommend – in accordance with international standards – that you ask your authorised Microlife dealer to perform an accuracy check every two years.
- What is the meaning of the different messages “Err1”, “Err3”, etc.?
MICROLIFE’s blood pressure monitors are developed to detect the blood pressure accurately and to display the result only if it is clearly free of errors. If an error is detected during measurement, the device distinguishes between different causes of the error and displays the related error number accordingly. The instruction manual explains each error code.
- What happens if I do not place the wrist cuff at heart level?
It is very important that the cuff is positioned at heart level during measurement. A position 1 inch higher than heart level means an underestimation by eight mmHg while one inch below heart level means eight mmHg overestimation of the blood pressure.
- My Microlife’s blood pressure monitor pumps up but does not release the air, what is wrong?
In this case please check the air connector between the tube of the cuff and the device. A plastic ring should be fixed on the middle part of the adapter. If it is missing, the connector is connected too far into the device and blocks the air release system. Connect the ring – or if the ring is missing, please contact your Microlife dealer. The purpose of the ring is to enable static pressure controls during biannual maintenance checks.
The connector of our newest model does not have the ring anymore but its distance parts have two different lengths. Take care that the shorter side is connected with the device and the longer one with the tube.
- Is a wrist device advisable for self-measurement?
The newly developed wrist devices also measure blood pressure using an oscillometric method. They are fully automatic: they inflate the pressure cuff automatically and automatically release the pressure again at the correct rate. Some wrist devices have the pressure cuff incorporated in the device (Blood Pressure Watch). Wrist devices measure blood pressure fairly reliably if used correctly. However, the fully automatic finger devices, which measure blood pressure and pulse rate on the index finger, frequently give faulty readings. This occurs, for example, if the index finger is not held steady at the height of the heart or if the small terminal branches of the arteries (arterioles) are constricted due to cold fingers, as a result indicating too low a blood pressure.
- Is a manual monitor as accurate as an automatic device?
Both systems supply the same accuracy. Automatic models have an installed electric pump instead of the hand pumping ball but this has no influence on the accuracy.
- I want to check my level of fitness with a MICROLIFE blood pressure monitor but during activity the device always displays an error message. Why can I only measure under quiet conditions?
MICROLIFE’s blood pressure monitors apply the ‘oscillometric method’ of detecting the human blood pressure. This method requires quiet conditions. Any movements, vibrations or shaking which appear during body activity significantly interfere with the detection. That is why you permanently get error messages when measuring during activity.
- I have to control the pulse rate of my cardiac pacemaker very accurately. Can I use the pulse result of the MICROLIFE blood pressure monitor for this?
All electronic home monitors measure the pulse oscillations over a period of far less than one minute. But accurate pulse controls such as required to control a cardiac pacemaker require a period of 60 seconds or more. The electronic devices are therefore not suitable for this use.
- I already have an AC/DC adapter at home, can I use it or do I need the MICROLIFE adapter?
MICROLIFE’s blood pressure monitors require a very specific power supply. This can only be guaranteed by the use of batteries or the MICROLIFE AC adapter. The adapter is specifically designed for our products.
- How do I know if the device is still accurate after long usage or after being dropped?
Generally, the monitor gives accurate results if it is working. If, for example, the device has been dropped but you cannot detect any malfunction when operating it, there is no need to worry about the accuracy. The main component that mainly influences the accuracy is stored in the computer program. This software either works or doesn’t. Other parts which affect the accuracy such as the deflation valve and the pressure sensor are very well protected against modifications by accidents or ageing.
In any case and in accordance with international standards we recommend that you ask your authorised Microlife dealer to perform an accuracy check every two years.
- Do I have to place the cuff at upper arm exclusively or can I put it at other places such as forearm or leg?
The cuff of upper arm devices can only be placed at the left or right upper arm. Please make sure that the circumference as written on the cuff suits the circumference of your arm.
Wrist devices are designed for the left wrist, only.
Please follow these instructions. Even if the cuff fits at other sites, please accept that the devices are exclusively designed for the upper arm or the left wrist and would give wrong results in other positions.
- Can the MICROLIFE blood pressure monitor be used in a driving ambulance, an aeroplane or train?
Microlife’s blood pressure monitors apply the ‘oscillometric method’ of detecting the human blood pressure. This method requires quiet conditions. Any vibrations or shaking which appear in a driving ambulance, an airplane or train significantly interfere with the detection. As a result you get an error message instead of a reading. So you may have to perform several measurements until you get a result.
- Can I wash the cuff?
No, the cuffs of home monitors are generally not designed to be washed. This might change the cuff dimensions and lead to a loss in accuracy. But under normal application it is not required to wash the cuff. Spots on the cuff can be removed carefully with a damp cloth and soapsuds.
- Can I use my MICROLIFE blood pressure monitor also at low pressure levels such as in the high mountains?
Every time a Microlife Blood Pressure monitor is switched on, it calibrates itself to the atmospheric pressure. The internal pressure of the Microlife’s blood pressure monitor is adjusted with the environmental pressure level. Thus you can perform measurements also at low outside pressure levels.
- Can I connect any cuff as long as it fits to the connection port?
MICROLIFE’s blood pressure monitors can only give reliable results when the device is connected to a Microlife Upper Arm Blood Pressure Cuff.
Respiratory Care
- Why peak flow monitoring?
Regular monitoring of patients’ peak flow is extremely useful for controlling diseases of the airways, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Physicians and patients can find asthma attack triggers such as allergies and dusty environments, then choose the proper therapy.
Only with a peak flow monitor can modern asthma control plans be followed. The monitor gives the patient better, earlier and more objective information, to find breathing problems before wheezing and coughing begins.
- When to measure?
Regular measurement of peak flow values is important for monitoring your condition.
Physicians typically recommend taking one measurement in the morning and one in the evening on a daily basis. Measurements should also be taken when feeling poorly or experiencing shortness of breath. Always take measurements before inhaling any prescribed drugs.
- What is important in measuring peak flow?
Your physician is only interested in the HIGHEST peak flow value achieved during a measurement session. Please repeat the measurements until you feel you have gotten the best possible result for that session. In the event of declining results at each successive measurement, talk to your doctor. It may be a sign of unstable asthma.
Coughing during a measurement can produce erroneously low results so always repeat the measurement. If you want to perform continuous measurements sequentially, be sure to have sufficient relaxation after each measurement to ensure accurate results.
Please note that low peak flows indicate a pending asthma attack even though no symptoms are felt!
- How to perform a self-assessment with the traffic light scheme
The “traffic light scheme” allows a patient to self-assess measured values to follow the progression of the illness. Self-assessment empowers patients to control their asthmatic illness in close co-operation with their physician. The physician determines a green, a yellow and a red area for the patients peak flow readings. As long as the values are in the green area, the lung disease is well under control. If the readings are frequently in the yellow area, the medication dosage should be increased according to the physician’s recommendation. Peak flow results in the red area are dangerous! The patient should act as recommended by the physician or seek emergency medical treatment.
- How to perform a measurement?
Measurements can be performed while standing, or sitting upright.
For better comparability of your data you should always perform the measurement in the same position.
Hold the monitor with both hands.
Inhale deeply and hold your breath for a moment.
Cover the mouthpiece tightly with your lips.
Exhale into the measuring tube as strongly and quickly as possible!
Take the monitor away from your mouth and see your result in the display.
It is recommended that three or more measurements be taken sequentially.
- How to determine the traffic light limits
Generally patients determine their own personal best value. This is the highest value the patient can achieve under optimum conditions (free of symptoms, feeling well). [Example: 500 l/min.] The green area usually reaches 80% of the personal best value. [Example: 500 l/min x 0.8=400 l/min] The yellow area usually reaches 50% of the personal best value. [Example: 500 l/min x 0.5=250 l/min].
Thermometry
- Why must a probe cover be used with the Microlife ear thermometer?
The Microlife ear thermometer’s calibration is set with a probe cover. So, measurements without a probe cover result in poor measurement accuracy.
In addition, use of the thermometer without a cover can result in transmission of germs. (unacceptable hygiene) Even a small amount of earwax on the probe tip allows bacteria and fungus to grow outside the ear!
Please use a new cover for each measurement.
The probe cover also protects the infrared sensor from earwax, which can destroy the sensor.
- Why measure body temperature?
It is of great medical importance to measure body temperature. The reason is that a number of diseases are accompanied by characteristic changes in body temperature. Likewise, the course of certain disease can be monitored by measuring body temperature, and the efficiency of a treatment initiated can be evaluated by the physician. Fever is a reaction to disease-specific stimuli, where the setpoint of the temperature control centre is varied to promote the body’s defense against the disease process. Fever is the most common form of pathological (disease-related) elevation of body temperature.
Body temperature is a vital indicator of one’s health. A number of diseases are accompanied by characteristic changes in body temperature. Likewise, the course of certain diseases can be monitored by measuring body temperature. The efficiency of many treatments can be evaluated by monitoring body temperature and changes therein. Fever is a reaction to disease-specific stimuli, where the setpoint of the temperature control center is varied to promote the body’s defenses against the disease process. Fever is the most common form of pathological (disease-related) elevation of body temperature.
Rectal Measurement:
The most reliable core temperature is obtained by inserting a thermometer into the rectum. This measurement is accurate and has low scattering in the results. The normal range is: 97.16 degrees Fahrenheit (36.2 degrees Celsius) to 99.86 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius).
Oral Measurement:
Oral measurements should be performed under the tongue (sublingually). This measurement underestimates the rectal temperature by approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit (.5 degrees Celsius).
Under-arm (Axillar) Measurement:
The only types of body surface temperature measurement used in clinically settings are under-arm and groin measurements. There is a difference between these measurements and rectal measurements of 1 degree fahrenheit (.5 degrees Celsius).
- Why measure body temperature at the ear?
Microlife Ear Thermometers measure the infrared heat of the eardrum, which is very close to the temperature control centre of the brain. This allows detection of changes of body temperature instantly compared with other common measuring instruments. Body temperature is measured safely and conveniently in only 1 second; for babies, children and adults of all ages.
- Why may I get different readings when taking many measurements?
Make sure that you use a new probe cover for each measurement. Wait at least 30 seconds after 3-5 continuous measurements.
Straighten the ear canal by pulling gently on the outer ear:
For children under 1 year: pull the ear straight back.
Children ages 1 year to adult: pull the ear up and back.
- Why do I get different results from left to right ear?
Temperature can vary slightly from left to right ear because of the amounts of dirt or earwax present or due to individual variations.
Please note the position of the probe tip during measurement can have an influence on the results. It is very important to straighten the ear canal and insert the probe tip comfortably and completely in the ear canal to ensure accuracy.
- Which type of battery is required for replacement?
The thermometer is equipped with a CR 2032 lithium battery.
We recommend you take the old battery with you when buying a new battery.
Microlife does not sell batteries. They can be purchased in any electronic shop, pharmacy, appliances store, photo shops or gas stations.
- Which ear should you use to measure body temperature?
Generally, there are no significant differences in ear temperatures. We recommended you practice measuring temperature when well, determine normal temperatures for you and your family, and use the ear that gives you a higher reading.
- Where should I take the temperature?
The most reliable core temperature is obtained by inserting a thermometer into the rectum (rectal measurement). This measurement is accurate and has low scattering in the results. The normal range is approx. 36.2°C – 37.7°C.
In women, vaginal temperature measurement yields a slight underestimate of temperature by an average of 0.1°C to 0.3°C in comparison with a rectal measurement with comparable stability.
The oral measurement can be performed as a buccal measurement (in the cheek) or as a sublingual measurement (under the tongue). Both measurement underestimate the rectal temperature by approx. 0.3°C to 0.8°C, with the sublingual measurement being preferable to the buccal.
The only types of body surface temperature measurement used clinically in practice are the arm pit (axially measurement) and in the groin (inguinal measurement). In both cases, the respective limb is pressed against the body in order to reduce any ambient temperature influence. However, this is successful only to a limited extent with the disadvantage that the measurement time is long. In adults, the axillary measurement is lower than the rectal by approx. 0.5°C to 1.5°C!
In infants, these underestimates in comparison with the rectal temperature are much smaller.
Contactless thermometers measure the radiant heat emitted by heat source. The surface temperature can be deduced from this radiation. Today manly ear thermometers are in use. They aim to quickly measure the temperature of the ear drum.
- When and how often should I clean or disinfect the Microlife ear thermometer?
Clean a dirty lens or housing as necessary.
Use an alcohol swab or a cotton swab moistened with alcohol (70% isopropyl, available in the pharmacy) to clean the thermometer casing and the measuring probe. Ensure that no liquid enters the interior of the thermometer. Never use abrasive cleaning agents, thinners, gasoline or benzene for cleaning. Never immerse the instrument in water or other cleaning liquids. Take care not to scratch the surface of the display.
- What is the lifetime of the Microlife ear thermometer?
Microlife products are designed for a long product life. Components used are of high quality and carefully protected. In spite of careful design & construction, abuse of the Microlife Thermometer can result in product failure.
When designing a new product we perform stress tests of key components to ensure long-life. Our product is designed to last for 5 to 10 years under estimated ‘normal’ home use conditions.
In accordance with international standards we recommend that you ask your authorised Microlife dealer to perform an accuracy check every two years.
Proper care and use of the Microlife Thermometer should ensure many years of accurate temperature measurements.
- What is important in taking a temperature?
Essential, it is true the measured body temperature always depends on where it is measured. Therefore, contrary to the popular consensus, there is no simple “normal temperature”.
Furthermore, a healthy person’s body temperature will vary with activity and time during the day. IN a rectal temperature measurement, a typical temperature difference of 0.5°C between the higher evening temperature and the lower morning temperature is physiological. Body temperature is typically elevated after physical activity.
Roughly speaking, a distinction is made between a core temperature and a surface temperature, where the surface temperature is measured at the skin surface and is a mixed temperature between the body’s core temperature and the ambient temperature. The core temperature is measured by inserting a thermometer into a body cavity, which yields the temperature of the mucous tissue.
- Is the Microlife ear thermometers as accurate as hospital devices?
The accuracy of Microlife ear thermometers has been proven in clinics. Microlife ear thermometers are at least as accurate as the more expensive hospital devices.
The Microlife Ear Thermometer is manufactured to meet the same international standards as hospital devices.
The difference to a hospital unit is the design. Hospital devices are more robust and thus less sensitive against falling down. They are delivered with solid wall brackets, comprehensive probe cover supply devices, etc.
Some professional thermometers offer the feature to display the results alternatively compared to rectal or oral readings. We think that this very confusing and we prefer to display the real, reliable ear temperature. Up to our knowledge, there is no medical basis which allows to “transfer” the data to rectal or oral results.
- Is the Microlife ear thermometer waterproof?
No, never immerse the thermometer into water or other liquids.
- Is the Microlife ear thermometer suitable for premature infants as well as for the elderly?
Yes, the Microlife ear thermometer is designed to take the body temperature of adults and children of all ages; including premature infants. Caution: high fever in infants and young children should be immediately reported to your doctor!
- Is the Microlife ear thermometer suitable for animals?
Microlife thermometers are developed and designed for humans. We do not have experience in animal measurements and do not take any responsibility for data obtained in animals.
- Is it safe to fully insert the probe in the ear of children and babies?
Yes, the probe is too short to reach the eardrum. The ear canal of babies and small children is smaller than the probe of the thermometer so it can not reach the sensitive parts of the ear.
Pull the ear as explained in the instruction manual and gently insert the probe into the ear. When you feel resistance from the ear, don’t push any further and maintain the position.
- How many times can I use the same probe cover?
Use a new cover for each measurement.
The cover gets dirty during a measurement and successive measurements will lack accuracy.
A dirty probe cover can grow germs that can be passed to the next user.
Repeated use of the same probe cover results in a loose fitting cover, leading to inaccurate measurements.
- How long should the battery last?
The battery has a life-time of at least 1000 measurements.
When the user installs new batteries and gets readings thought to be inaccurate, please check the following:
How old is the battery? Batteries loose capacity over time even if not used.
Please ensure the battery is new.
A battery may work with other devices (alarm clock for example) that have a lower minimum required input voltage but may not work with the thermometer.
If the Microlife product remained in the warehouse of a Microlife dealer for a substantial time, the lifetime of the battery can be significantly reduced.
Room temperature also affects battery life. At temperatures below 15°C, the performance of batteries is reduced significantly!
- How does the reading from a Microlife ear thermometer compare to an oral reading? Rectal? Axillary?
MICROLIFE’s ear thermometer measurements are comparable to an oral temperature from a quality thermometer.
Rectal measurements are slightly higher then oral measurements.
An underarm measurement is most impacted by room temperature, so accuracy is more difficult to verify. Underarm measurements are lower then oral measurements.
- How does the Microlife ear thermometer work?
The Microlife ear thermometer measures infrared energy radiated from the eardrum and the surrounding tissue. This energy is collected through the lens and converted to the correct temperature value.
- How do I know that the device is still accurate over time or after being dropped?
The Microlife thermometer performs an function check each time it is turned on. So, as long as you do not get an error message (“ERR”) proper technique will result in accurate results.
In accordance with international standards we recommend that you ask your authorized Microlife dealer to perform an accuracy check every two years.
- How accurately can I take a temperature?
Essentially a distinction must be made between the technical accuracy of the thermometer itself and the clinical accuracy in use in taking a temperature. The former is determined under idealised conditions to guarantee the quality of the instrument, taking the relevant technical standards into account. An accuracy of + 0.1°C can be considered state of the art for high-grade thermometers. The user must NOT confuse technical accuracy with this accuracy in use. The human body temperatures described here, which depend on the measurement location and time, are due to physiological causes and are not due to a thermometer malfunction. By correctly applying a thermometer, the accuracy can be strongly increased (follow the operating instructions)
- Does the Microlife ear thermometer require calibration?
In accordance with international standards we recommend that you ask your authorized Microlife dealer to perform an accuracy check every two years.
- Does room temperature affect readings?
No, as long as the operating temperature is between 10°C and 40°C (50°F and 104°F)! If the thermometer itself is outside this range no measurements can be performed. The display shows “L” or “H”. It may take some time before the thermometer reaches its operating conditions.
- Does earwax influence the results?
Small amounts of earwax are no problem as they transmit the temperature radiation but large amounts may cause inaccurate readings.
- Can the probe cover remain on the tip after measurement?
The probe cover should be removed after each measurement. Use of the thermometer without a cover can result in transmission of germs (unacceptable hygiene). A dirty probe cover can grow germs that can be passed to the next user.
Repeated use of the same probe cover results in a loose fitting cover, leading to inaccurate measurements.
- Can the Microlife infrared ear thermometer harm you in any way?
No, Microlife ear thermometers does not sending out any waves or heat at any time. It only acts as a receiver of heat. If the ear is inflamed or an ear infection is present, it is recommended the measurement be taken in the other ear or a standard digital thermometer should be used orally, underarm or rectally as appropriate.
- Can I use the Microlife ear thermometer while travelling in a car or ambulance car? Do cold temperatures during winter affect readings?
Yes, but please note that the operating temperature has to be between 10°C and 40°C (50°F and 104°F)! As long as the thermometer itself is outside this range no measurements can be performed. In this case, the display shows “L” or “H”. It will take considerable time to return the thermometer to its working temperature range.
- Can I use the Microlife ear thermometer for body temperature measurements at other points of the body?
No, the Microlife ear thermometer is designed for ear measurements only.
You can measure the temperature of objects such as bath water or baby’s milk in the range of 0°C to 100 °C (32°F to 212°F). If you want to measure room temperature, the temperature of bath water or baby milk, etc., please place the probe cover on the tip of the device. Move as close to the surface of the object you want to measure and start the measurement. Please take care NOT TO DIP THE SENSOR into the milk or liquid as the device is NOT WATERPROOF. Please note that the device is just able to detect the surface temperature of an object giving you an estimation of the temperature. Caution: please note that there might be hotter temperature areas at deeper levels of the liquid.
- Can I measure the temperature of baby milk or baby’s bath water?
Yes, surface temperature readings are possible in the range of 0°C to 100°C (32°F to 212°F)
If you want to measure room temperature, the temperature of bath water or baby milk, etc., please place the probe cover on the tip of the device. Move as close to the surface of the object you want to measure and start the measurement. Please take care NOT TO DIP THE SENSOR into the milk or liquid as the device is NOT WATERPROOF. Please note that the device is just able to detect the surface temperature of an object giving you an estimation of the temperature. Caution: please note that there might be hotter temperature areas at deeper levels of the liquid.
- Can I measure temperature when my child has an ear infection?
Generally, ear infections cause considerable pain. Pulling on the outer ear would create further discomfort. It is recommended a measurement be performed in the unaffected ear or at another body site with the appropriate device.
- Can a woman use the Microlife Ear Thermometer to measure basal body temperature to determine ovulation?
We do NOT recommend this as clinical studies have not been completed to ensure proper monitoring of basal body temperature by ear measurements.