Can you tell us a little bit about Medical Indicators, Inc., Inc. and how it came to be?
In the 1980’s, Dr. Robert Witonsky founded Medical Indicators, Inc., Inc. because as a doctor himself, he saw the need for a thermometer that provides accurate temperature readings, while also preventing patients and healthcare providers from exposure to infections. That need led to the development of our first single-use thermometer, NexTemp®. Over the years, we’ve worked to increase production capabilities and expand our product offerings to meet the needs of our growing customer base. Now, nearly 40 years later, we’ve become a global leader in the single-use medical device arena, supplying more than 30 countries around the world with our single-use thermometers that offer highly-accurate readings and maximum infection control.
You’ve expanded your product offerings – can you walk us through the products you offer?
We began producing our first thermometer, NexTemp®, in 1984. Since then, we’ve added several additional thermometer options, including NexTemp® Ultra and TempaDOT®, which can be used as both oral and axillary thermometers, and NexTemp® Plus and TempaDOT® Plus, which are specifically designed for rectal use. We also created TraxIt® – a wearable axillary thermometer providing 48-hours of continuous, uninterrupted readings that’s ideal for use with children and the elderly.
So they’re just like other thermometers most of us have used before?
Our single-use thermometers function just like traditional thermometers we’ve all used in the past – to take an oral, axillary, or rectal temperature – but the similarities stop there. Infrared and thermoscanners only measure external skin temperature. In March, the FDA issued an alert warning that the improper use of these devices may lead to inaccurate temperature readings, which can present serious public health risks. Additional studies show that non-contact thermometers are inaccurate and those screenings are not recommended by medical directors. Instead, our thermometers utilize an innovative and proprietary chemistry process to measure core body temperature. It’s through this chemistry system that our thermometers are able to provide the most accurate temperature reading. And their disposability means that once you’ve taken a temperature, you simply throw it in the trash along with all of the germs – providing maximum infection control.
How do you ensure that your thermometers provide clinically-accurate readings?
Our thermometers undergo two-stage precision-accuracy testing throughout the manufacturing process that meets rigorous accuracy and quality control standards. We utilize calibrated precision water baths to confirm their accuracy and reliability to ensure we meet the requirements of both nationally and internationally-recognized testing standards.
Earlier you said they provide “maximum infection control” – what does that mean?
Due to the pandemic, we’ve all spent the last year wiping down every surface and every item that came into our homes – and even with added precautions, many of us still lost loved ones. The issue of infection control became very real to all of us. When someone is sick – whether they’re at home, in a hospital, or even at school or work – a major concern is stopping the spread of the infection. Reusing medical devices, such as digital, infrared or tympanic thermometers, significantly increases the risk of spreading germs and illnesses. Our thermometers circumvent this risk by providing a clean instrument that is used once and then discarded – keeping you, your family and those around you safe.
So could single-use thermometers help to stop the spread of infections in a hospital, long-term care or ambulatory setting?
Absolutely! Healthcare associated infections, or HAIs, are a serious concern for doctors, hospitals and the patients they serve. HAIs most commonly transfer from patient to patient because the medical tools used were not properly cleaned and sanitized between uses. Clinical studies have shown that disposing of the thermometer after use virtually eliminates the risk of spreading germs and infections such as COVID-19, C. diff, MRSA and other HAIs. A doctor or clinician wouldn’t reuse a tongue depressor or exam glove, so why should they reuse a thermometer?
So these are only available for doctors and clinical teams?
No! When I joined Medical Indicators, Inc., Inc., I was blown away by this product. So in 2018, we launched a consumer line of thermometers so that every household, school and business could have access to the same level of safety, accuracy and reliability as doctors and hospitals. Their one-time-use functionality means no batteries, no cleaning and no bulk. And they’re compact and lightweight, making them easy to store in a purse, diaper bag, first aid cabinet, or suitcase, so you never have to worry about being unprepared.
Can you tell me more about the innovative chemistry system and how its used in your thermometers?
Our thermometers feature Precision Phase Change Technology, which utilizes a dot matrix comprised of heat-sensitive crystals to measure core body temperature. The matrix contains a unique formulation of chemistry utilizing either our NexTemp Liquid Crystal Technology™ or TempaDOT®’s Solid Crystal Technology that’s designed to react, or change color, at a specific temperature. Each dot has been custom formulated to react and change color at their specific temperature that is accurate to ±0.2 ºF/±0.1 ºC – the highest level of accuracy attainable in any thermometer on the market today.
Safety seems like a focus for Medical Indicators, Inc., Inc. – can you speak to how you ensure that your thermometers are safe?
You’re correct – safety is paramount at Medical Indicators, Inc., Inc.. Our thermometers are non-hazardous, non-toxic and hypoallergenic, and they don’t contain latex, glass or mercury. We manufacture every product in our FDA-registered and ISO-certified facility in a controlled production room. And Biocompatibility tests are conducted to confirm the safety of our thermometers and to ensure that we meet or exceed even the highest domestic and international safety and quality control standards.
Very few products are manufactured in America these days – why do you continue to manufacture your thermometers in the US?
I agree – most products, including thermometers, aren’t made in the US. Pick up an item at the store and you’ll most likely find “Made in China” instead of “Made in America” on the label. We manufacture our products in the US because it allows for many benefits, including the production of higher quality products, faster production and delivery times and more jobs for Americans. We’re proud to be an American-made company and we’ve found that our customers, both in and outside of the US, appreciate the fact that we provide quality, American-made thermometers.
You’re based in America, but you work with doctors and hospital systems in other countries as well, correct?
Yes – our continued growth and success has expanded our reach throughout the US and Canada, as well as international marketplaces around the world with distribution channels in Europe, South Africa, Asia, Australia and Central and South America.
