November 19, 1999

Terumo Ear Thermometer 'EM-30CP' The smallest, lightest ear thermometer in Japan

Tokyo-based Terumo Corporation has announced the December 1 release of the EM-30CP (shortened to M30), a smaller, lighter, and more reasonably priced version of the of the current EM-20CP, the ear thermometer that measures body temperature in just one second. The smallest, lightest ear thermometer in Japan, the new M30 successfully maintains the accuracy of the EM-20CP (M20), which debuted to popular acclaim in October 1997.

M20 users were consulted in the creation of the M30, which is designed to be even more user-friendly than its predecessor. For example, consumer comments such as 'storage space is limited, so we'd like to see a smaller version', resulted in a significant reduction in size. Other users expressed concern that infants could be startled by the 'beep' sound that signals when thermometry has ended, so a function to change the volume was added. Terumo has also succeeded in reducing the recommended retail price by more than half.

The ear thermometer market is growing steadily. Ear thermometers account for an estimated 10% of the total market for clinical thermometers, a share which is expected to increase to 30% in the future.

Recommended retail price for the new M30 is \6,000 (excluding tax). A sales target of 700,000 units has been set for the initial year.

Product features

1. The smallest, lightest ear thermometer in Japan
   Weighs a mere 38 grams and fits comfortably in your hand, making the unit easy to carry, convenient to store.
2. Adjustable volume settings
   The 'beep' sound can be set at a choice of two volumes, either high or low, to avoid startling an infant when taking a temperature.
3. Low energy design - can be used approximately 10,000 times
   Designed for low energy consumption, a lithium battery provides approximately 10,000 successive uses. The battery is replaceable.
4. L-shaped design for accurate measurement
   The L-shaped design makes it easy to stabilize the probe and position the sensor correctly, for accurate measurement.

Principles of measurement

Every heat source gives off infrared rays in proportion to its temperature. The M30 measures temperature by detecting these infrared rays. (In this case, the human body is the heat source.) Measurements are taken inside the ear because the temperature near the eardrum is very stable.

The Terumo ear thermometer detects infrared rays with a highly sensitive built-in sensor, allowing for instantaneous, accurate measurement of body temperature.

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