FOR-A IR20 Series Reference guide

EAR THERMOMETER
Operations & Procedures Manual
Long-Term Care and Home Health Care
IR20

3
Thank you for purchasing the FORA IR20b Ear Thermometer. This manual provides
important information to help you to use the device properly. Before using this product,
please read the following contents thoroughly and carefully.
If you have other questions regarding this product, please contact the place of purchase
or call Customer Service at 1-888-307-8188.
The FORA IR20b is intended for multi-patient use in a long-term or home health care
setting. Please note that the following procedures are provided only as a model to
help your facility establish its own policy and procedures. Your own policy may differ
depending upon the existing procedures. Please consult with the Director of Nursing for
further guidance.
CAUTION: Please carefully read the User’s Manual and all product instructions
before using this Long-Term Care and Home Health Care Manual and administering
temperature readings.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS 05
RESTRICTIONS OF USE 05
INTENDED USE 06
METER OVERVIEW 06
How Does It Work 06
Appearance and Key Function 06
LCD Screen 07
EAR TEMPERATURE TESTING 07
Using the Device 07
Measuring Temperature 08
Hints on Taking Temperatures 08
CARE AND CLEANING 09
REVIEWING THE RESULTS 09
Results Indicators 09
Recalling the Memory 09
ABOUT NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE AND FEVER 10
MAINTENANCE 10
Replacing the Battery 10
TROUBLESHOOTING 11
SPECIFICATIONS 11
TRAINING TOOLS 12
Attachment 1: FORA IR20b Ear Thermometer Training Checklist 12
Attachment 2: FORA IR20b Ear Thermometer Training Quiz 13
Attachment 3: FORA IR20b Ear Thermometer Quality Control Results Record 14
Notes 15

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CAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS
●Aswithanythermometer,propertechniqueis
crucial to getting accurate temperature
readings. Please read this manual thoroughly
and carefully before use.
●Always operate the thermometer in
temperatures between 60.8°F to 104°F (16°C to
40°C) and relative humidity less than 95%.
●Always store the thermometer in a cool and
dry place: temperatures between -4°F to 140°F
(-20°C to 60°C); relative humidity less than
95%. Avoid direct sunlight.
●Avoid dropping the thermometer.
●Use only FORA IR20b probe covers for the
infrared ear thermometer.
●For proper hygiene, do not share or reuse
probe covers. Damaged probe covers may
result in error display.
●Do not disassemble the thermometer.
●Basic safety precautions should always be
observed, especially when the thermometer is
used on or near children and disabled persons.
●This thermometer is not intended to be a
substitution for a consultation with your
physician.
●Keep probe covers out of reach of children.
●Temperature measurements may differ from left
to right ear. Always measure by using the same
ear.
RESTRICTIONS OF USE
This thermometer is clinically proven to produce
accurate temperature measurements. However,
please be advised if you have the following
situations:
● The accuracy cannot be ensured for a person
who has a deformity in their ear, which prevents
the thermometer probe from properly being
inserted into the ear canal.
● The accuracy cannot be ensured when blood
or drainage is found in the ear canal.
● If ear drops or medications have been placed in
one ear, take measurements from the other ear.
● For a person who wears an ear plug or hearing
aid, remove the device and wait for 15 minutes
before taking temperature.
NOTE:
Never try to clean inside your ears. You may accidentally
damage the eardrum or its surrounding tissues. Remove excess
earwax only when you can reach it with a clean cloth. Consult a
physician if you suspect the presence of excess earwax.

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INTENDED USE
FORA IR20b ear thermometer is intended for
the intermittent measurement and monitoring of
human body temperature from the ear canal. The
device is intended for professional use.
METER OVERVIEW
How does it work
The thermometer measures the infrared heat
generated by the eardrum and its surrounding
tissue. The thermometer then converts the
infrared heat generated into a temperature value
shown on the LCD screen.
Scan Button
Probe Lens
Probe
Probe Cover Detector
Probe Cover Ejection Button
On/Memory Button
Manufacturing Label
Battery Cover
Bluetooth Indicator
Probe Cover
1
3
2
4
5
9
6
10
7
8
Appearance and Key Function
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
10
9

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EAR TEMPERATURE
TESTING
Using the Device
1
2
Replacing the Probe Cover
1. Check if the probe cover is clean and new.
Press the infrared probe into the cartridge.
2. Secure the cover to the probe and remove it
from cartridge.
NOTE:
• If a probe cover is not attached on the probe, LCD will show
“ ” until a new probe cover is firmly attached to the probe.
• The used probe cover should be removed after each
measurement to ensure accuracy.
• To ensure proper hygiene, attach a new probe cover each time
and do not touch its tip.
Temperature Scanning In Progress
Temperature Reading
Memory Mode
Record Numbers
Low Battery Indicator
Temperature Unit
Communication Symbol
No Probe Cover Detected
Ear Temperature Indicator
1
3
2
4
5
6
7
9
8
LCD Screen
1
2
9
3 4 5
8 7
6

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Measuring Temperature
1 2 31
514
1. Press and release the On/Memory button
to turn on the thermometer. When ready, the
thermometer displays the last measurement.
2. Gently fit the probe with a clean probe cover
into the ear canal.
3. Press and release the Scan button. You will
hear a beep to indicate the measurement is
complete and the thermometer can be removed.
4. Read the result. “ ” is shown together with a
temperature value.
5. Press the ejection button to discard the used
probe cover into a trash can.
NOTE:
Turn off the thermometer by pressing On/Memory button twice.
It will automatically turn off if left idle for 3 minutes.
Hints on Taking Temperatures
1. As with other thermometers, you may observe
slight variations in consecutive measurements. It
is recommended that you take 3 temperature
readings and use the highest one for the
following situations:
●Infants younger than 3 months old.
●Children younger than 3 years old and who
have a compromised immune system and the
presence / absence of fever is critical.
●When you are learning to use the thermometer.
2. Do not take a reading while the patient is
moving and/or talking. Wait for 30 minutes after
any of the following situations before taking a
measurement:
●When the ear has been covered.
●After exercising, swimming, or taking a bath.
●When the patient has been exposed to extreme
temperatures.
3.To take accurate readings, the ear must be free
from excessive earwax buildup.

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Recalling the Memory
11 12 133
Your thermometer stores the last 10 readings in
its memory.
1. Press the On/Memory button to turn on the
thermometer.
2. Press the On/Memory button for 3 seconds
to enter memory mode.
Press the On/Memory button to scroll through the
last 10 records. A result will be displayed in the
order of dates (latest results shown first), together
with“ ” and a number (from 1 to 10). When
the memory is full, the oldest result is deleted
as the new one is added. When the last record
is displayed in the LCD, press the On/Memory
button again to return to the first one.
3. Exit the memory.
Press the Scan button to exit the Memory Mode,
then press the On/Memory button to turn the
meter OFF.
CARE AND CLEANING
●Theprobeisnotwaterproof.Pleasewipeitwith
a clean and dry cotton swab.
●The body of the thermometer is not
water-resistant. Never put the thermometer
under a running tap or submerge it into water.
Use a soft and dry cloth to clean it. Do not use
abrasive cleaners.
●Store the thermometer in a cool and dry
location free from dust and away from direct
sunlight.
Temperature≤89.5°F(31.9°C) “Lo” with red backlight
89.6°F(32°C)≤Temperature
< 100.3°F (37.9°C)
Result with green
backlight
100.4°F(38°C)≤Temperature
< 109.4°F (43°C)
Result with red
backlight
Temperature≥109.5°F(43.1°C) “Hi” with red backlight
REVIEWING THE RESULTS
Results Indicators

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ABOUT NORMAL BODY
TEMPERATURE AND
FEVER
Body temperature can vary from person to
person. It also varies on different parts of the
body and time of day. The following table shows
the statistics of normal ranges from different body
parts. Please keep in mind that temperatures
measured from different body parts, even at the
same time, should not be directly compared.
Fever indicates that the body temperature is
higher than normal. This symptom may be caused
by infection, overdressing or immunization. Some
people may not experience fever even when
they are ill. These include, but are not limited
to, infants younger than 3 months old, persons
with compromised immune systems, persons
taking antibiotics, steroids or antipyretics (aspirin,
ibuprofen, acetaminophen), or persons with
certain chronic illnesses. Please consult your
physician when you feel ill even if you do not
have a fever.
Body Site Normal Temperature Range*
Oral 95.9°F to 99.5°F (35.5°C to 37.5°C)
Axillary (underarm) 94.5°F to 99.1°F (34.7°C to 37.3°C)
Rectal 97.9°F to 100.4°F (36.6°C to 38.0°C)
Ear 96.4°F to 100.4°F (35.8°C to 38.0°C)
*Chamberlain, J. M. Terndrup, T. E., New Light on Thermometer
Readings, Contemporary Pediatrics, March 1994.
MAINTENANCE
Replacing the Battery
132
The thermometer comes with two 1.5V AAA
alkaline batteries. Replace them when “ ”
appears. Please follow the steps for battery
replacement.
1. Remove the battery cover and remove the
used batteries.
2. Place the new batteries in the battery
compartment and press it in until the batteries are
secured.
3. Reattach the battery cover.
NOTE:
• Although the thermometer works when “ ” appears, we still
recommend that you change the batteries to obtain an
accurate result.
• Remove the batteries if stored for a long period of time.
• The batteries should be kept out of the reach of children. If
they are swallowed, promptly see a doctor for help.
• Properly dispose of the batteries.

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The specifications may be changed without prior notice.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model No.: FORA IR20b
Dimension: 165 mm x 32.4 mm x 38.7 mm
Weight: 85.5 g
Battery: 2 x 1.5V AAA alkaline batteries
External Output: Bluetooth
Displayed Temperature Range:
89.6°F to 109.4°F (32°C to 43°C)
Display Resolution: 0.1°F / 0.1°C
Accuracy:
Meet the accuracy requirement specified in ASTM
E1965-98. ±0.4°F (±0.2°C) for the range of 96.8°F
to 102.2°F (36.0°C to 39.0°C); ±0.5°F (±0.3°C)
from 89.6°F to 96.6°F (32.0°C to 35.9°C) and
from 102.4°F to 109.4°F (39.1°C to 43.0°C)
Temperature Unit: °F
Operating Temperature Range:
60.8°F to 104°F (16°C to 40°C)
Operating Humidity: 95% RH or less
Storage Temperature Range:
-4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Storage Humidity: 95% RH or less
Memory Capacity: 10 measurements
TROUBLESHOOTING
All error messages below would be shown
together with a red backlight. Please follow “what
to do” to resolve problems. If the problem still
exists, please call your local dealer for help.
MESSAGE WHAT IT
MEANS WHAT TO DO
Appears when
environmental
temperature is below
or above system
operation range.
Put the thermometer under
operating temperature
range of 60.8°F to 104°F
(16°C to 40°C).
No probe cover
detected.
Ensure the probe cover is
fitted on firmly, or replace it
with a new one.
Thermometer errors.
Review the instructions
and restart the
measurement procedure.
If the problem persists,
please contact your dealer.
Appears when
the batteries can’t
provide enough
power for a test.
Replace the old batteries
with new ones immediately.

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TRAINING TOOLS
Attachment 1: FORA IR20b Ear Thermometer Training Checklist
Use the following checklist to assess the trainee’s understanding and knowledge of the following areas:
TASK ( )
AREA CLINICAL USE OF DEVICE
Knows key features of FORA IR20b thermometer.
Principles of quality testing and QC materials.
Only uses FORA IR20b probe covers with the FORA IR20b thermometer.
Understandstheimportantfeatures,benetsandlimitationsoftheFORA IR20b system.
Knows the proper method of disposing of used probe covers according to facility procedures.
Understands the displayed error messages and corresponding actions to take.
Understands the appropriate steps to take for troubleshooting.
Knows the actions to be taken when the results are abnormally high or low.
Understands the information required to be documented by law and by institution.
Identify the essential equipment used with the FORA IR20b thermometer.
Locates the serial number and SET buttons on the meter.
Knows the proper storage conditions of the thermometer and probe covers.
Knows how to maintain the meter.
Demonstrates proper technique when performing a measurement.
Demonstrates the correct probe cover insertion technique.
Performsqualitycontroltestsatspecictimesanddeterminesiftheresultsareacceptable.Takesappropriateactionif
there is a problem.
Demonstrates the proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques for the FORA IR20b thermometer.
Performs meter set up, memory retrieval and data transmission operations.
Demonstrates the proper actions to take for inaccurate results.
KnowledgeEquipmentPractical
The trainee must complete the training of the FORA IR20b Thermometer before performing temperature readings
on patients.
Training Completed by:
Name of Trainee Date Name of Instructor Signature of Instructor

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Training Completed by:
Name of Trainee Date SCORE
Attachment 2: FORA IR20b Thermometer Training Quiz
Complete the following questions to assess your understanding about using the FORA IR20b Thermometer to
perform temperature measurements on residents:
NO. QUESTIONS ANSWER
1
When do you clean and disinfect the meter?
a) After each use
b) Daily
c) Weekly
d) Monthly
2
When do you change a new probe cover?
a) After each use
b) Daily
c) Weekly
d) Monthly
3
If you saw the following massage on the meterʼs display, what action should you take?
a) Replace the battery
b) Retest with a new prove cover
c) Repeat the test when the room temperature is within 50°F to 104°F
4
If you saw the following message on the meterʼs display, what action should you take?
a) Replace the battery
b) Replace a new probe cover
c) Repeat the test when the room temperature is within 50°F to 104°F
5
The FORA IR20b Thermometer should be stored:
a) At 39.2°F to 104°F (4°C to 40°C), below 85% humidity
b) At -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C), below 95% humidity
c) In the freezer
Answers:
1.(a) 2.(a) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b)

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Attachment 3: FORA IR20b Thermometer Quality Control Results Record Meter #:
Month/Year:
Results reviewed by:
Date Time Station / Shift Operator Meter Cleaned
(Y / N)
Replace a New Probe Cover
(Y / N) Corrective Action

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

Distributed by ForaCare, Inc.
893 Patriot Drive, Suite D, Moorpark, CA 93021 USA
Toll Free : 1-888-307-8188 (8:30 am - 5:00 pm PST, Mon.-Fri.)
www.foracare.com
IR20