The Braun PRT 2000 electronic thermometer boasts the Age Precision feature and a flexible tip, making it suitable for taking the temperature of the entire family, including infants. However, correct usage is crucial to ensure accurate results.

Overview

More advanced than its predecessor, the PRT 1000, the PRT 2000 caters to the entire family, particularly newborns and infants, with its Age Precision technology. This technology interprets temperature readings based on the individual’s age and displays a color-coded fever indicator. Remarkably, this enhanced functionality doesn’t significantly affect its affordability, as the Braun PRT 2000 is reasonably priced at around €10 to €15, depending on where you purchase it.

Brand	Braun
Special Feature	Digital
Color	purple white
Age Range (Description)	Adult, Child, Newborn
Display Type	Digital
Product Care Instructions	Wipe Clean
Unit Count	1.00 Count
Power Source	Battery Powered
Number of Batteries	1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
Response Time	8 seconds

Design and Build Quality

The Braun PRT 2000 features a larger-than-average casing, accommodating a well-sized LCD screen on the front. It also incorporates a dedicated button for adjusting the age category, alongside the power button located on its edge. The thermometer’s tip, though slender like its counterparts, is made from elastomeric material, providing flexibility and reducing the sensation of cold against the skin, which is especially appreciated when used under the armpit.

This thermometer operates on a flat CR1632 battery, claimed by Braun to last for up to 2000 temperature measurements. Accessing the battery compartment involves unscrewing a small hatch on the back. While it has an IP22 certification, it is not advisable to submerge the thermometer in water due to the lack of a seal. Cleaning the device is straightforward, as it can be wiped with 70% alcohol or washed with mild soap, focusing on the tip.

Technical Details

Brand	‎Braun
Special Feature	‎Digital
Color	‎purple white
Age Range (Description)	‎Adult, Child, Newborn
Display Type	‎Digital
Product Care Instructions	‎Wipe Clean
Unit Count	‎1.00 Count
Power Source	‎Battery Powered
Number of Batteries	‎1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
Response Time	‎8 seconds
Reusability	‎Reusable
Product Dimensions	‎1.02 x 3.54 x 8.03 inches
Item model number	‎PRT2000EU
Batteries	‎1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	‎No
Target gender	‎Unisex
Additional product features	‎Digital
Batteries required	‎No
Item Weight	‎0.704 ounces

Usage Considerations

Using the Braun PRT 2000 is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to understand its intended method of use. The included instructions clearly state that the Age Precision function is optimized for temperatures taken under the armpit (axillary). This is crucial information since axillary readings tend to be lower than oral or rectal measurements, which this thermometer can also perform.

In essence, rectal or oral readings might inaccurately trigger a fever indication on the thermometer, showing an orange color code instead of green or red instead of orange, for instance. While it’s better to err on the side of caution, it’s regrettable that this configuration is not adjustable. Therefore, users should exercise caution and refer to the provided age-specific temperature interpretation chart if they have doubts about the reading. In such cases, it’s crucial to consider other symptoms besides fever, and consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.

Fever Alert

Aside from the Age Precision function, the Braun PRT 2000 is user-friendly. A simple button press on the edge activates the device, displaying the last recorded temperature for two seconds. Afterward, pressing the blue button on the front lets users select the child’s age group in months (0-2, 2-36, or 36+) before taking the temperature. Unlike its predecessor, the PRT 1000, the PRT 2000 includes an audible fever alert with a series of beeps, in addition to a color change on the screen (green for no fever, orange for moderate fever, and red for high fever).

Accuracy and Speed

The Braun PRT 2000 thermometer takes about 8 seconds to become ready (power on and age group selection), which may seem a bit sluggish, especially if multiple readings are required. Unfortunately, it doesn’t allow pre-selecting the age group, unlike some other Braun ThermoScan models with Age Precision.

However, the temperature measurements themselves are relatively quick, taking around 6 seconds, even when using the axillary method. Surprisingly, Braun’s instructions do not suggest waiting up to 90 seconds for an axillary reading, as they do for the PRT 1000.

On a positive note, the thermometer demonstrates good repeatability, with a rate of 89% during tests involving three successive measurements every 10 minutes over a total of 70 minutes. The accuracy is also reasonable, with an average difference of 0.28°C when compared to our reference thermometer. Notably, this slight difference mainly results from two measurement series with significantly lower average temperatures (0.7°C and 0.5°C), while the remaining five series show temperature variations ranging between 0.1°C and 0.3°C. Consequently, it may be challenging to utilize this thermometer for precise monitoring of minor body temperature changes.

Conclusion

In summary, the Braun PRT 2000 proves to be a practical tool for easily monitoring fever in infants. It offers reasonable speed and accuracy for its intended use. Crucially, users should be aware that the Age Precision function is optimized for axillary temperature readings to prevent potential false positives during oral or rectal measurements.

STRONG POINTS

• Quick measurements.
• Soft tip.
• Color code indicating fever according to age (Age Precision).

WEAK POINTS

• Age Precision technology suitable only for axillary temperatures.
• Not waterproof.