Calibration System Established at TUBITAK UME for Infrared Ear Thermometers (IRETs)

The traceable calibration of infrared ear thermometers, which have been used intensively in the health field, has always been issue in Turkey. Moreover, the accuracy of measurements depends entirely on the information determined by the device manufacturer or suppliers on the exception of traceability chain of our National Metrology Institute (TUBITAK UME). However, many years ago, intensive and systematic studies were conducted in America, European Union and Japan to discipline this area. A recent study has also been initiated in Turkey at TUBITAK UME which aims to develop a reference calibration system for Infrared (IR) Ear Thermometers. This reference system consists of custom design stirred calibration bath together with blackbody cavities in accordance with both EN and ASTM standards which can be considered as basic standards describing the requirements for the IR ear thermometer calibration system in detail. With the use of the system installed, the calibrations of the infrared ear thermometers will now be able to be performed in our institute.