A. FeverDots are coated with a thermochromic material that starts to change color from black to pink as the temperature increases.
Q. Why is it important to activate FeverDots before use?
A. The temperature at full pink can increase over time. Heat activating FeverDots to full pink prior to use, ensures that FeverDots change at the onset of fever and not a higher temperature. Once activated (activation lasts a few days but can be done daily if desired) the FeverDot reliably turns pink at surface temperatures of 99°F or greater.
Q. How do FeverDots work to indicate an elevated temperature?
A. When worn on the forehead, the color change is affected both by the body temperature AND by the air temperature around the FeverDot. The material of the FeverDot and its thickness have been selected so that the color change occurs as skin temperature reaches 99°F when used at air temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Also when the forehead temperature is 99°F, the core body temperature is usually a degree hotter, 100°F or in other words fever temperature.
Q. Why are FeverDots designed to change at 99°F.
A. A fever is defined to be a core body temperature of 100.4°F or greater. The forehead skin temperature is generally one degree cooler than the core body temperature. So, if the forehead is 99°F or greater then, the FeverDot will be pink and the core body temperature should be 100°F or greater - fever temperature.
Q. What shall I do if the FeverDot turns pink?
A. If you are using the FeverDot on the forehead and at air temperatures between 60°F and 85°F and the FeverDot turns pink, then it is time to measure your body temperature with a thermometer to see if you have a fever.
Also, the FeverDot may turn pink if you are exposed to radiant heat, such as sitting in the sun or in a hot car. The skin will heat in these circumstances but does not indicate an increase in core body temperature. Go away from the radiant heat and into air-conditioned area. You can hold a cold object on the FeverDot to turn it back to black so that it can, once again, work to indicate body temperature.
Q. What does it mean if my FeverDot is purple?
A. It means (if using at the recommended air temperature) that your surface temperature is below 99°F. The thermochromic material changes in stages from black at 96°F to full pink at 99°F or greater. Between these temperatures the FeverDot changes gradually from black to purple to dark pink to full pink.
Q. If the air temperature is below 60°F or greater than 90°F, will it affect how the FeverDot works?
A. Yes. The lower air temperature may cause the FeverDot to turn pink at body temperatures greater than 99°F and higher air temperature will cause the FeverDot to turn pink at body temperatures below 99°F. Therefore, it is very important to be used at the recommended air temperatures to allow the FeverDot to be used to indicate higher than normal body temperatures.
Q. Is the function of the FeverDot affected by the sun?
A. The sun affects the use of FeverDots in two ways. The sun can heat the skin (even though the core body temperature is not heated) and the FeverDot may turn pink when there is no fever. Also, UV light exposure from direct sunlight for more than 8 hours can dull the color change at elevated temperature to a duller pink. We recommend a new FeverDot be used if exposed to bright direct UV light for more than 5 hours.
Q. Can I wear the FeverDot on places other than my forehead?
A. The FeverDot is designed to be worn on the forehead because when worn there, and it turns pink, it indicates that the core is 100°F or greater. Hands, feet, arms and legs are generally cooler and the FeverDot would probably not turn pink even if there was a fever.
Q. Can I wear the FeverDot on my body where others cannot see it?
A. You should wear the FeverDot so that others can see it, so that they can be alerted in case of an elevated body temperature. Also, the FeverDot needs to be exposed to room air temperatures. If it is covered, the air around the FeverDot will be warmed and turn pink below 99°F.
Q. Can I wear the FeverDot for more than one day?
A. It is recommended that a new dot be applied daily. While the thermochromic material and adhesive work for many days, excess UV light might dull the pink color that indicates higher temperature.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.