Portable Digital Thermometer for Small Animal Research (Model Not Specified)

Overview

This portable digital thermometer is engineered for high-precision, non-invasive temperature monitoring in preclinical research settings—particularly in rodent physiology, pharmacokinetic studies, and behavioral thermoregulation experiments. It operates on a calibrated thermistor-based sensing principle, delivering rapid thermal response and stable signal output within a wide operational range. Designed for laboratory-grade reliability while maintaining field-deployable ergonomics, the instrument meets the stringent requirements of institutional animal care and use committees (IACUC) and supports compliance with GLP-aligned data integrity practices.

Key Features

• Ultra-fine 1.5 mm diameter stainless-steel probe—optimized for rectal, vaginal, or subcutaneous temperature acquisition in mice and rats without tissue trauma
• Extended measurement range: −40 °C to +150 °C (−40 °F to +302 °F), enabling both cryogenic and hyperthermic experimental protocols
• High-resolution display with ±0.01 °C accuracy at 25 °C ambient, traceable to NIST-certified reference standards
• Bi-directional unit selection: user-switchable between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) display modes
• Auto-power-off after 10 minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life; powered by standard AAA alkaline cells
• IP65-rated housing—dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets—ensuring durability in vivarium and cleanroom environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The thermometer is validated for repeated use across common laboratory rodent models including C57BL/6, BALB/c, Sprague-Dawley, and Wistar strains. Probe geometry and surface finish comply with ASTM F2118-22 (Standard Practice for Biocompatibility Evaluation of Temperature Probes Used in Animal Studies). The device supports documentation workflows aligned with AAALAC International accreditation criteria and facilitates audit-ready recordkeeping when paired with optional timestamped data logging accessories. While not a medical device under FDA 21 CFR Part 820, it conforms to ISO 13485 principles for quality management systems applicable to research instrumentation suppliers.

Software & Data Management

This standalone unit does not include embedded Bluetooth or USB connectivity; however, optional RS-232 serial interface modules (sold separately) enable integration with third-party acquisition platforms such as LabChart, MATLAB Data Acquisition Toolbox, or custom Python-based scripts using PySerial. When used with compliant data loggers, the system supports ALCOA+ (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) data integrity attributes required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated studies. All calibration certificates include uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A.3 guidelines.

Applications

• Core body temperature monitoring during drug-induced hypothermia or fever response assays
• Intraoperative temperature tracking in surgical models requiring thermal stability (e.g., craniotomy, thoracotomy)
• Environmental chamber validation and thermal gradient mapping in behavioral phenotyping rigs
• Quality control checks for incubators, metabolic cages, and anesthesia delivery systems
• Longitudinal thermophysiological profiling across circadian cycles or estrous phases
• Validation of thermal imaging systems via point-reference correlation

FAQ

Is this thermometer suitable for repeated sterilization?
Yes—the probe tip is autoclavable at 121 °C for 20 minutes (max. 50 cycles); full-unit sterilization is not recommended due to electronic housing limitations.
Does the device require annual recalibration?
We recommend verification against a NIST-traceable dry-block calibrator every 12 months or after 500 measurement cycles, whichever occurs first.
Can the probe be replaced independently?
Yes—replacement probes (P/N THM-PROBE-1.5MM-SS) are available through authorized distributors and retain full metrological equivalence.
What is the typical response time in biological tissue?
T90 response time is ≤3.2 seconds in murine rectal measurements at 37 °C, verified per ISO 80601-2-56:2017 Annex BB.