Factory Calibrated and Certified
The Caregiver® is factory calibrated and certified to meet the ASTM E1965-1998 standard for infrared thermometers in a clinical environment. With proper use, the thermometer will not require recalibration for the duration of the warranty period. It has been designed for stability with high volume use and has no moving parts in the infrared sensor and optic assembly. Every thermometer is individually calibrated in multiple temperature environments over the specified operating range using traceable infrared Blackbody standards
The Caregiver® Sensor
The custom infrared sensor is an all-metal hermetically-sealed integrated sensor and optical system. Many infrared thermometers use separately mounted plastic lenses or plated mirrors which are susceptible to changes in the optical properties over time and are subject to mechanical shock. This can affect the calibration.
Narrow Field-of-view Silicon Lens
Caregiver® with its silicon lens has a more narrow field of view (FOV) requiring more complex optic components and amplifying electronics than typical infrared thermometers. (Its FOV is similar to a 150mm telephoto lens on a 35mm camera). This translates to better repeatability when the distance to the skin varies and so it is less susceptible to differences in operator technique.
Protected Recessed Sensor
An important design aspect is that the sensor is recessed a full inch away from the front of the thermometer – more than any other clinical thermometer. This reduces the likelihood of calibration error due to fingerprints, oils from skin or other foreign matter entering the optical path.
Calibration Check and Recalibration for Clinical Institutions
Although Caregiver® should not normally require recalibration during the warranty period, many institutions require annual calibration checking and certification. Also, if sensor damage is suspected, calibration check is warranted.
Calibration checking may be accomplished in any of the following ways:
- Return the thermometer to Thermomedics for recertification and it will be promptly returned. (A new Caregiver® will be returned if the original cannot be recalibrated)
- Check calibration on-site with the Caregiver® Calibration checker Model CC-TF or CC-DRY. The checker will determine whether the device is in calibration or whether the thermometer needs to be returned for factory recalibration.