How to validate an infrared thermometer
A Senior Medical Technologist in the Midwest recently purchased a traceable infrared thermometer for the Blood Bank. Their SOP states that all equipment/products must be validated before implementation. The technologist found some literature on validating the thermometer such as proper liquids/containers to use. Can anyone provide additional feedback on how to properly validate the infrared thermometer?
Editor’s note: Please see previous discussion of infrared thermometers on e-Network Forum from 2005
- Experience in the use of infrared thermometers to measure the temperature of blood products
- Response to this eNF: A transfusion service in Northern California shares key elements from their procedure to validate an infrared thermometer. Their infrared thermometer is used to check the temperature of RBCs returned to blood bank and so was validated for the range of ~1-10C:
- Check the manufacturers instructions for proper emissivity of the thermometer, for example 0.85 for RBC in a clear plastic bag
- Hold the thermometer 4-8 inches from the component and point to the largest area of RBC away from labels and edges
- To validate (repeat procedure annually to calibrate)
- Use an NIST thermometer and the traceable infrared thermometer
- Obtain an expired RBC unit. A 10% glycerol solution in a blood bag is acceptable but will differ in emissivity from RBC
- Insert the NIST thermometer into the bag and seal with parafilm. Place the unit and thermometer back in the refrigerator for 30 min to equilibrate
- Remove the unit to room temperature. Record the NIST thermometer and infrared thermometer readings every 5 min until the temp reaches 10C. Periodically mix contents of bag
- The NIST and infrared thermometers should agree +/- 2C
Submit comments to the e-Network Forum at enetworkforum@cbbsweb.org
Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Senior Editor & Moderator
W. Tait Stevens, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator
Elizabeth M. St. Lezin, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Associate Editor & Moderator
The e-Network Forum is supported in part by the California Blood Bank Society (CBBS) and the American Red Cross Blood Services (ARCBS) and endorses collegial discussion among blood banking and transfusion medicine professionals. However, neither the CBBS nor the ARCBS in any way endorse the specific views and opinions expressed in the forum. The forum is not intended as a substitute for medical or legal advice and the content should not be relied upon for any medical or legal purposes. Readers should make their own determinations as to: (i) what constitutes appropriate medical, technical, and administrative practices, and (ii) how best to comply with laws and regulations relevant to their questions. For the latter, they should consider consulting, as to any medical matters, a qualified physician, and, as to any legal matters, an attorney familiar with related state and federal laws. The user of the forum, by accessing same, assumes all risks arising out of such use and releases CBBS and their respective members, directors, officers and agents from and against any loss, damage, claim or liability arising out of such use of the Forum.
