ALCO AL-82955 Manual
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AL-82955, AL-82956
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2. Package components
AL-82955 or AL-82956 thermometer
Cradle
Probe covers (1 or 2 probe cover boxes, depending on model)
CD containing Directions for use, Quick reference guide, Service Tool software and Service
Tool installation guide.
2 (AA) Duracell® alkaline batteries
3. Product description (See 1. PRO 6000)
1Probe lens window
2Probe
3ExacTemp light
4Measure button
5Measure light
6Display
7C/F button
8Memory button
9Timer button
10 Tether mount (Tether sold separately)
11 Probe cover detect switch
12 Probe cover ejector
13 Battery door latch
14 Battery door
15 Small cradle—one storage box
16 Large cradle—two storage boxes
17 Probe cover
18 Probe cover box
18 a Probe cover box carrier
19 GTIN code
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4. Screen elements
1Battery
Full battery - indicates battery is
between 100% and 70% of usable
battery capacity
Partial battery - indicates battery is
between 70% and 30% of usable
battery capacity
Low battery - indicates battery is
between 30% and 10% of usable
battery capacity
Critically low battery - battery is
between 10% and 1% of usable
battery capacity. When final
segment flashes, batteries have low
power. The thermometer will take a
proper measurement but batteries
must be replaced soon. If
rechargeable batteries are in use,
batteries should be recharged.
Empty battery - battery has 1% or
less of usable battery capacity.
When battery outline flashes, the
thermometer will not operate.
Replace the batteries. If
rechargeable batteries are in use,
batteries should be recharged.
See 14.7 Maintenance and
service, Replacing the batteries
2Probe cover icon
The icon animates in an upward motion to
remove probe cover. The icon animates in
a downward motion to apply a probe
cover.
3Timer icon
The PRO 6000 includes a 60 second timer
that features an audible notification and
visual indicator at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60
seconds. The first quadrant begins flashing
when timer starts and becomes solid at 15
seconds. This repeats for each 15 second
interval. The timer turns off automatically 5
seconds after 60 seconds is completed.
See 10.3 Controls, Manual timer
4Alert icon
Icon that appears with error message.
See 12. Errors and notifications
5Memory indicator
Indicates the reading shown on the display
is the reading in memory.
See 10.1 Controls, Memory
6C/F scale
Indicates default temperature scale. Either
°C or °F will display, depending on setting.
See 10.2 Controls, C/F Celsius/Fahrenheit
7Security unlock icon and
countdown time
(Requires charging station or compatible
Vital Signs device, sold separately.) If the
security function is enabled, it requires the
thermometer be returned to the charging
station within a pre-selected time interval.
Countdown time indicates the amount of
time remaining until the thermometer will
be locked if not returned to the charging
station. See 11.2 Settings, Advanced
functions
8Security lock icon
(Requires charging station or
compatible Vital Signs device, sold
separately.) Indicates the thermometer
is locked. Return the thermometer to the
charging station to reset the countdown
and resume normal operation. See 11.2
Settings, Advanced functions
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5. About the AL-82955 & AL-82956
This thermometer is a clinical grade ear thermometer indicated for the intermittent
measurement of human body temperature in patients of all ages in a professional use
environment.
Please read all instructions carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
5.1 How does it work?
The ThermoScan technology reads the infrared energy emitted
by the tympanic membrane and surrounding tissues to determine
the patient’s temperature. To help ensure accurate temperature
measurements, the sensor itself is warmed to a temperature close to
that of the human body. When the thermometer is placed in the
ear, it continuously monitors the infrared energy until a temperature
equilibrium has been reached and an accurate measurement can be
taken. The thermometer displays an actual measured ear temperature
or clinically accurate, oral equivalent temperature that has been
validated in clinical studies by comparing IR measurements with
the oral readings from afebrile and febrile patients of various ages.
Unadjusted operating mode ear temperature readings are available via unadjusted mode,
which can be accessed using the Service Tool.
5.2 PerfecTemp™ technology
Speed and ease of access are two key advantages of ear thermometry.
Concerns regarding accuracy and reliability have hindered adoption
of this technology. In clinical studies, the precision of ear temperature
measurement has been shown to be influenced by ear canal anatomy
and variability in user technique. Proper probe placement can also be
a challenge, particularly with young patients that move around during
measurement. Shallow probe placement, coupled with anatomical
variabilities such as ear canals with a small circumference and poor
visibility of the tympanic membrane, can result in readings that are
low compared to core temperature because the thermometer could
be focused on the cooler outer ear canal.
The PRO 6000 thermometer incorporates a new proprietary technology, PerfecTemp™
technology, that overcomes the challenges presented by ear canal anatomy and variations
in technique among clinicians. The thermometer collects information about the direction and
depth of ear probe placement as it is placed into the ear canal and automatically incorporates
this information into the temperature calculation. Incorporating information related to patient
specific anatomy and exact ear probe placement in the ear canal increases the accuracy of the
measurement as compared to core temperature, especially when probe positioning is not ideal.
5.3 ExacTemp™technology
The thermometer also features ExacTemp™ technology which supports temperature
measurement reliability by detecting the stability of the probe placement during the
measurement. The ExacTemp light flashes during the measuring process and remains illuminated
when the measurement is complete, indicating consistent placement of the probe during the
measurement process. Consistent probe placement helps support accurate
temperature measurement.
Table 1: Ear canal
temperature gradient
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5.4 Why measure in the ear?
Clinical studies have shown that the ear is an excellent site for
temperature measurement because temperatures taken in the ear
reflect the body’s core temperature1. Body temperature is regulated
by the hypothalamus2, which shares the same blood supply as the
tympanic membrane3. Changes in core body temperature are usually
seen sooner at the tympanic membrane than at other sites, such as the
rectum, mouth or under the arm. Advantages of taking temperatures at
the ear versus traditional sites:
• Axillary temperature measurements reflect skin temperature which
may not reliably indicate the internal body temperature.
• Rectal temperatures often lag significantly behind internal body temperature changes, especially
at times of rapidly changing temperatures. Also, there is a risk of cross contamination.
• Oral temperatures are often influenced by eating, drinking, thermometer placement, breathing
through the mouth, or the inability of the person to close their mouth completely.
1. GUYTON A C, TEXTBOOK OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY, W.B. SAUNDERS, PHILADELPHIA, 1996, P 919
2. GUYTON A C, TEXTBOOK OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY, W.B. SAUNDERS, PHILADELPHIA, 1996, P 754-5
3. NETTER H F, ATLAS OF HUMAN ANATOMY, NOVARTIS MEDICAL EDUCATION, EAST HANOVER, NJ, 1997, PP 63, 95.
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5.5 Body temperature
Normal body temperature is a range. The following table shows that this
normal range also varies by site. Therefore, measurements from different
sites, even if taken at the same time, should not be directly compared.
Normal ranges by site1:
Axillary1, 2: 95.6 - 99.4°F 35.3 - 37.4°C
Oral1, 2: 95.7 - 99.9 °F 35.4 - 37.7 °C
Rectal1, 2: 96.6 - 100.8 °F 35.9 - 38.2 °C
ThermoScan1, 2: 95.7 - 99.9 °F 35.4 - 37.7 °C
A person’s normal temperature range tends to decrease with age.
The following table shows normal ThermoScan ranges by age.
Normal ThermoScan ranges by age1, 2:
< 3 months 96.4 - 99.4 °F 35.8 - 37.4 °C
3 - 36 months 95.7 - 99.6 °F 35.4 - 37.6 °C
> 36 months 95.7 - 99.9 °F 35.4 - 37.7 °C
The range of normal varies from person to person and can be influenced by many factors such as
time of day, level of activity, medications and gender.
1. Sund-Levander M, Forsberg C, Wahren LK. Normal oral, rectal, tympanic and axillary body temperature in adult men and
women: a systematic literature review. Scand J Caring Sci 2002 June;16(2):122-8.
2. Herzog L, Phillips SG. Addressing concerns about fever. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2011 May;50(5):383-90.
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6. Contraindications
C linical studies have shown the thermometer can obtain accurate temperature measurements on full term
newborn, pediatric and adult patients. However, there are special situations when an ear thermometer
should not be used. These include, but may not be limited to the following situations:
• Do not use an ear thermometer if there is blood or drainage in the external ear canal.
• An ear thermometer should not be used on a patient who exhibits symptoms of an acute or chronic
inflammatory condition of the external ear canal.
• Common situations like the presence of moderate amounts of cerumen (ear wax) in the ear canal, otitis
media and tympanostomy tubes do not significantly impact temperature readings. However, complete ear
canal occlusion due to cerumen (ear wax) can result in lower temperature readings.
•
Use the untreated ear if prescription ear drops or other ear medications have been placed in the ear canal.
• Patients who have deformities of the face and/or ear may not be able to have a temperature taken with an
ear thermometer.
• This thermometer is not intended for pre-term babies or small-for-gestational age babies.
6.1 What affects accuracy
Always use a new disposable probe cover for each measurement to maintain accuracy and hygiene.
The right ear measurement may differ from the measurement taken in the left ear. Therefore, always
take the temperature in the same ear. The ear must be free from obstructions or excess earwax
build-up to take an accurate reading.
External factors may influence ear temperatures, including:
Factor Affected Not affected
Used probe cover
Ambient temperature
Wet / dirty / damaged lens
Hearing aid
Lying on pillow
Moderate cerumen (ear wax)
Otitis media (ear infections)
Tympanostomy tubes
In the event of lying on a pillow, ear plugs or hearing aid, remove the individual from the situation
and wait 30 minutes prior to taking a temperature.
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7. Warnings and precautions
This thermometer is for professional use only.
This thermometer must only be used with genuine ThermoScan probe covers.
Do not use any cleaning agent other than isopropyl or ethyl alcohol for cleaning the probe
lens window and probe as specified in the cleaning section of this manual.
Do not use any cleaning agent other than the approved list of cleaners for cleaning the
body of the thermometer.
To avoid inaccurate measurements, always attach a new, clean probe cover for each
temperature measurement.
The probe lens window must be kept clean, dry and undamaged at all times to ensure
accurate measurements. To protect the probe lens window, always keep the thermometer
in the storage cradle while transporting or when not in use.
This thermometer is not intended for pre-term babies or small-for-gestational age babies.
Do not modify this equipment without authorization of manufacturer.
Never use the thermometer for purposes other than those it has been intended for. Please
follow the general safety precautions.
Do not expose the thermometer to temperature extremes (below –4ºF / – 25ºC or over
122ºF / 55ºC) nor excessive humidity (> 95 % RH).
This thermometer complies with current required standards for electromagnetic
interference and should not present a problem to other equipment nor is it effected
by other devices. As a precaution, avoid using this device in close proximity to
other equipment.
8. Setup
8.1 Battery installation
Your thermometer ships with two (AA) alkaline batteries.
See 14.7 Maintenance and service, Replacing the batteries.
The Charging station (sold separately) ships with one rechargeable battery pack.
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8.2 Mounting instructions (Large cradle only)
Mounting hardware not included.
The large cradle (2 box storage) can be mounted as an easily removable wall hanger or a permanent wall
mount. All mounting must be done into a wall stud. To mount the cradle the following items are needed:
• 2 #8 wood or sheet metal, pan head screws, 3.2 cm (1.25”) long
• Ruler (or tape measure could be substituted)
• Screwdriver to match drive of screws
1Remove probe cover box carrier from
the cradle by rotating the probe cover box
carrier forward.
2Mount to wall:
• Removable wall hanger:
Locate the stud on the wall. Mount the 1st screw
in position 1and the 2nd screw in position 2a.
• Permanent wall mounting:
Locate the stud on the wall. Mount the 1st screw in position
1and the 2nd screw in position 2b. Tighten screws.
Note: Permanent mounting is not recommended if using
the charging station to access the security function, other
advanced functions or charge the rechargeable battery.
3Place probe cover box carrier back in cradle
by lining up the brackets and pushing down.
Note: For a mounting template please
reference the thermometer CD.
8.3 Tether installation
A kit to tether the thermometer to the cradle is available separately.
Installation instructions are provided with the tethering kit.
107mm (4.21")
126 mm (4.95")
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2a
2b
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9. Using the AL-82955 & AL-82956
Temperature measurement
1Remove thermometer from cradle by gripping
thermometer at base and pivoting up.
Thermometer will turn on automatically. Probe cover icon
will flash on display indicating a new probe cover is needed.
2Attach new probe cover by
pushing probe tip straight into box,
then pulling thermometer out.
3Wait for the ready indication. Ring around
MEASURE button turns green, thermometer will beep once
and three lines on display indicate thermometer is ready.
4Place probe snugly
in ear canal and direct
toward opposite temple.
Keep thermometer probe steady
in the ear canal. Correct probe
placement is essential for accurate
measurements.
1a 1b
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5Press and release MEASURE button.
The thermometer will beep once, running dashes will appear
on the display then the green ExacTemp light will flash,
indicating consistent probe position.
Note: Always press the MEASURE button before taking
a measurement.
6Temperature measurement. A long beep and
steady green ExacTemp light will signal the end of the
measuring process.
The temperature will show on the display.
If the thermometer is unstable or patient is moving during the
measuring process, the device will beep, the green ExacTemp
light will flash and POS (Position Error) will flash on the display.
Be sure the device is stable and restrict patient movement
for the next measurement. Change the probe cover to reset.
* See 12. Errors and notifications
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10. Controls
10.1 Memory
Press the MEMORY button to reveal the last completed temperature.
The temperature will show with a MEM indicator until the MEMORY
button is pushed again, a new probe cover is applied, or the
thermometer enters sleep state. Memory can also be accessed from
the thermometer sleep mode and will display for 5 seconds before
returning to sleep.
10.2 C/F (Celsius/Fahrenheit)
Once the temperature scale has been set (See 11.1 Default
temperature scale), the alternative scale can be quickly referenced
at any time while a temperature is displayed.
1If the temperature scale is set to Celsius, press and release
C/F button to view the temperature in Fahrenheit.
If the temperature scale is set to Fahrenheit, press and release
C/F button to view the temperature in Celsius.
2Press and release the C/F button again to revert back to
default scale.
NOTE: If Temperature Conversion is disabled, refer to the
Service Manual for more information.
Mem
C / F
Mem
C / F
Mem
C / F
Mem
C / F
7Remove used probe cover by pressing Probe Cover
Ejector button .
To achieve accurate measurements, use a new, clean probe cover for
each measurement.
To take another measurement, place a new, clean probe cover on the
thermometer. If no action is taken the thermometer will enter SLEEP
mode after 10 seconds or upon return to the thermometer cradle or
host device.
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ºC ºF
10.3 Manual timer
The thermometer includes a 60 second timer that features an audible notification and visual
indicator at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 seconds. The timer turns off automatically 5 seconds after
60 seconds is completed. The timer can be stopped at any time by pressing the Timer button or
applying a probe cover. This feature can be used to time pulse, respirations, etc. To use this feature:
1Press and hold timer button for one second to activate timer.
A beep is heard at initiation of the timer.
The display will show timer counting up in seconds.
The display will show an icon that has four 15 second quadrants.
The timer will beep at the completion of each 15 second interval
to provide audible notification. Then the current segment will
become solid and the next segment will flash.
At 60 seconds a long beep will sound, all quadrants will appear
solid ending the timer function. The thermometer will exit the
timer mode after an additional 5 seconds.
2To stop the timer at any time, press the timer button.
0 sec
“Beep”“Beep”
45
“Beep”
15
“Beep”
30
“Beep”
60
… … … …
11. Settings
11.1 Default temperature scale
To set the default temperature scale:
1Open battery door by sliding spring
latch to the right using your finger
or a pointed object such as a pen.
While holding the latch in the open
position, grasp the battery door and
remove it. Remove batteries and set
aside. Once batteries are removed,
C/F switch is accessible.
2Slide switch to C or F using a pen or pointed object.
3Place batteries back into thermometer. Snap the battery
door back into place and ensure the latch returns to the
original latched position. Celsius or Fahrenheit symbol will
appear on the display.
or
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Item Description Settings Default
Setting
PerfecTemp™ Improves reading
accuracy by detecting
placement of probe in
ear canal
On/Off On
Celsius only selection
(Disables Fahrenheit)
Disables the C/F
button and disables
the Fahrenheit default
selection on the device
Celsius Only On/Off Celsius Only Off
Security function time Sets countdown time
after removal from
charging dock to lock
1 through 12 hours Off
Timer icon Displays an icon along
with the timer counter
On/Off On
Calibration
check mode
Places thermometer
in CAL mode to test
calibration
Selection forces
device into Test
Mode in place of
button press. Device
remains in Test mode
until unselected,
button press
sequence on device,
or timeout occurs
Not applicable.
A transient setting.
Unadjusted
operating mode
Places thermometer in
mode to detect raw ear
temperature only
Allows user to set
device to Unadjusted
Operating Mode
Off
11.2 Advanced functions
The following device settings must be completed using the Service Tool (See 11.3
Advanced function settings and 11.4 Service tools)
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1 Dock the thermometer in the Charging Station
2The recommended action is to use the USB cable that connects
to the wall adapter - unplug it from the wall adapter and plug it
into your computer.
3Launch the Service Tool. If the log on prompt appears
enter the User ID “ADMIN” (all caps) with no password
and click the log on button.
4Click the Thermometer
from the device list to highlight,
then click the select button.
11.3 Advanced function settings
The charging station or compatible Vital Signs device can be used with the Service Tool to modify
settings on the thermometer.
Follow the instructions to access advanced settings using the Service Tool.
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5The Device tab opens.
6Click the Configure tab to the right of the
Device information tab.
7Click the Change button in the current
settings box. The configuration settings
dialog box opens.
8Select the setting you wish to enable or
disable by clicking the check box next to
the setting. A check mark indicates the
setting will be enabled, an empty check box
indicates the setting will be disabled. To
select the Security function click the drop
down menu and click the desired time or Off
to disable. To restore the factory default
settings click Restore Defaults. Once the
desired settings are selected click the Save
button to send the settings to the
thermometer and close the box.
To close the box without changing the settings click the Cancel button.
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11.4 Service tools
Service tools
For more information, refer to the Service Tool installation guide. The service tool software
and service tool installation guide are available on the CD provided with the thermometer.
11.5 Charging station for storage, charging and security function (optional)
A charging station is available. The charging station automatically
recharges the thermometer when using the rechargeable battery
which is included. Use of alkaline batteries in the thermometer while
using the charging station is permitted but the alkaline batteries will
not be charged.
The charging station has an electronic, individually adjustable
security function which requires the thermometer to be returned
to the station within an individually pre-selected time or the
thermometer will be locked. The charging station serves as a
convenient storage base which can also be wall mounted.
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12. Errors and notifications
Situation
No probe cover is attached
(animates ON).
Used probe cover is attached
(animates OFF).
(POS = position error)
The infrared monitor cannot find
a temperature equilibrium and
allows no measurement.
Ambient temperature is not within
the allowed operating range
(50 – 104 °F or 10 – 40 °C)
or changing too rapidly.
Temperature taken is not within
typical human temperature range.
HI will be displayed when
temperature is higher than 108°F
(42.2°C).
LO will be displayed when
temperature is lower than 68°F
(20°C).
Error message Solution
Attach new, clean probe cover.
Discard probe cover that is on and
attach new, clean probe cover
if taking another temperature
measurement.
Change the probe cover to reset.
Restrict patient movement and
ensure that the positioning of the
probe is correct and remains stable
while taking new temperature.
Wait 20 sec. until thermometer turns
off automatically, then turn on again.
Ensure thermometer and patient are in
an environment for 30 minutes where
the temperature is between 50 ºF and
104 ºF or 10 ºC and 40 ºC.
Change probe cover to reset. Then,
make sure thermometer is properly
inserted and take a new temperature.
RECHARGABLE: Battery icon is empty
and ashing, and lock icon displays to
prompt user to return to charge dock
ALKALINE: Battery icon
is empty and ashing
RECHARGABLE: Battery icon is empty
and ashing, and lock icon displays to
prompt user to return to charge dock
ALKALINE: Battery icon
is empty and ashing
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12. Errors and notifications
13. PerfecTemp™status
Situation
System error
(All icons display
or display is blank)
If error persists,
If error still persists,
Battery is low, but thermometer
will still operate correctly.
Battery is too low to allow
temperature measurement.
Situation
PerfecTemp technology is not
functioning or disabled.
U is “Unadjusted Operating
Mode”. Mode used for raw
temperature measurement.
Requires service tool access
to enable.
Error message
Error message
Solution
Wait 20 seconds until the
thermometer turns off automatically,
then turn on again.
... reset the thermometer by
removing the batteries and
putting them back in.
... batteries are dead. Insert new
batteries.
Insert new batteries.
Insert new batteries.
Solution
... contact local Service
Center or representative
See 11.3 Advanced function
settings and adjust settings via
Service Tool or contact local
Service Center or
Representative
RECHARGABLE: Battery icon is empty
and ashing, and lock icon displays to
prompt user to return to charge dock
ALKALINE: Battery icon
is empty and ashing
RECHARGABLE: Battery icon is empty
and ashing, and lock icon displays to
prompt user to return to charge dock
ALKALINE: Battery icon
is empty and ashing
or
This manual suits for next models
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