DrConnected

Often we feel privileged to be working so closely to the cutting edge of medical technology, and daily we are amazed by the progress the world’s best scientists are making.  We are also amazed by the amount of real gadgets we are able to produce that mirror items seen in science fiction, things we never actually believed could be real.  Today we have another such example for you, and it reminded us all of the Star Trek medical bay – the non-contact thermometer has arrived.

For many years now glass and mercury thermometers have become museum pieces, replaced by digital thermometers that take readings from the ear or forehead.  A step forward in cross infection control they feature single use filters to prevent the spread of illness from one patient to another, however they still need to touch the patient to work.  The new technology is slightly pricey compared to existing technology but we don’t think that will put users off.

Sanomedics, a Miami based firm, have now unveiled the first hand held non-contact thermometer that needs to be held two inches from the forehead of the patient, or 2 inches behind the ear, and can give an accurate reading in just one second.  The digital display shows the temperature in whichever scale you choose, and the built in voice chips also speaks the reading.

Coming in both a home version for parents, and a professional version for medical staff we can see that this will be an instant and massive hit.  Perfect for home when you want to closely monitor a sick child but don’t want to risk waking them from much needed healing sleep, and the voice means it can be used without having to put lights on again waking the child.  In hospital in just scores so many brownie points for infection control and ease of use that we are sure all hospitals and surgeries will be queuing to get them.