ASTM E1104-98(2023)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Clinical Thermometer Probe Covers and Sheaths
Standard Specification for Clinical Thermometer Probe Covers and Sheaths
ABSTRACT
This specification covers all single-use clinical thermometer probe covers and sheaths intended for use with any clinical thermometer. Requirements are given for safety, toxicity, handling, labeling, and physical integrity. Testing procedures for appropriate requirements and a glossary of terms used are provided. Toxicity test, leakage test, and compatibility test shall be performed to meet the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers all single-use clinical thermometer probe covers and sheaths intended for use with any clinical thermometer. Requirements are given for safety, toxicity, handling, labeling, and physical integrity. Testing procedures for appropriate requirements and a glossary of terms used within the standards are provided.
1.2 The requirements contained herein are intended to ensure adequate isolation of the patient from the temperature-measuring device. In addition, the safety and health of the patient shall not be adversely affected. When used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the probe cover, sheath, and temperature-measuring device shall remit correct temperature readings as required in Specifications E667 and E1112.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Jan-2023
- Technical Committee
- F04 - Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices
- Drafting Committee
- F04.33 - Medical/Surgical Instruments
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2010
- Effective Date
- 15-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2006
- Effective Date
- 10-May-2003
Overview
ASTM E1104-98(2023): Standard Specification for Clinical Thermometer Probe Covers and Sheaths provides clear requirements for the design, manufacture, labeling, and performance of single-use clinical thermometer probe covers and sheaths. Developed by ASTM International under Committee F04, this standard ensures that probe covers and sheaths intended for use with any clinical thermometer meet essential criteria for patient safety, device compatibility, and product integrity.
The specification outlines performance characteristics and testing methods that help manufacturers, healthcare providers, and distributors assure the quality and safety of these critical medical accessories in clinical settings.
Key Topics
Scope and Purpose
- Covers all single-use clinical thermometer probe covers and sheaths.
- Ensures adequate isolation between patient and temperature-measuring device.
- Applies to products for use with all types of clinical thermometers.
Performance Requirements
- Safety: Products must be free from sharp points or edges, minimizing risk of injury.
- Physical Integrity: Probe covers and sheaths must maintain integrity during installation, use, and removal.
- Toxicity: Materials in contact with the patient must be non-toxic when used as specified.
- Compatibility: Covers and sheaths must not degrade device performance, such as measurement accuracy.
- Labeling: Clear instructions for use, lot identification, intended use, and single-use status must be included.
Testing Procedures
- Toxicity Test: Confirms non-toxicity of materials using standardized extraction methods.
- Leakage Test: Assesses ability to maintain a barrier between patient and equipment.
- Compatibility Test: Ensures covers and sheaths do not interfere with thermometer operation as required by referenced standards.
- Storage and Environmental Requirements: Verifies product performance after storage in various environmental conditions.
Documentation and Compliance
- Manufacturers and distributors are encouraged to document compliance with ASTM E1104 and provide evidence through product labeling.
Applications
Healthcare Facilities
- Ensures hygienic, safe, and reliable temperature measurement in hospitals, clinics, and other patient care environments.
- Facilitates infection control by providing effective single-use barriers.
- Enables compliance with local and international regulations for medical devices.
Manufacturing and Distribution
- Used by manufacturers as a benchmark for product development, quality control, and regulatory submissions.
- Guides distributors and purchasers in verifying product compliance and quality claims.
Procurement and Specification
- Provides a reference for technical procurement specifications in tenders and purchasing decisions by healthcare institutions.
Related Standards
- ASTM E667: Specification for Mercury-in-Glass, Maximum Self-Registering Clinical Thermometers (withdrawn).
- ASTM E1112: Specification for Electronic Thermometer for Intermittent Determination of Patient Temperature.
- ASTM E344: Terminology Relating to Thermometry and Hydrometry.
Practical Value
ASTM E1104-98(2023) plays a vital role in the safe and effective measurement of patient temperatures by specifying the requirements for clinical thermometer probe covers and sheaths. Adherence to this standard supports infection control, enhances patient safety, and ensures accurate clinical results, making it essential for all stakeholders involved in the design, selection, and use of clinical thermometry accessories.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E1104-98(2023) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Clinical Thermometer Probe Covers and Sheaths". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers all single-use clinical thermometer probe covers and sheaths intended for use with any clinical thermometer. Requirements are given for safety, toxicity, handling, labeling, and physical integrity. Testing procedures for appropriate requirements and a glossary of terms used are provided. Toxicity test, leakage test, and compatibility test shall be performed to meet the requirements prescribed. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers all single-use clinical thermometer probe covers and sheaths intended for use with any clinical thermometer. Requirements are given for safety, toxicity, handling, labeling, and physical integrity. Testing procedures for appropriate requirements and a glossary of terms used within the standards are provided. 1.2 The requirements contained herein are intended to ensure adequate isolation of the patient from the temperature-measuring device. In addition, the safety and health of the patient shall not be adversely affected. When used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the probe cover, sheath, and temperature-measuring device shall remit correct temperature readings as required in Specifications E667 and E1112. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers all single-use clinical thermometer probe covers and sheaths intended for use with any clinical thermometer. Requirements are given for safety, toxicity, handling, labeling, and physical integrity. Testing procedures for appropriate requirements and a glossary of terms used are provided. Toxicity test, leakage test, and compatibility test shall be performed to meet the requirements prescribed. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers all single-use clinical thermometer probe covers and sheaths intended for use with any clinical thermometer. Requirements are given for safety, toxicity, handling, labeling, and physical integrity. Testing procedures for appropriate requirements and a glossary of terms used within the standards are provided. 1.2 The requirements contained herein are intended to ensure adequate isolation of the patient from the temperature-measuring device. In addition, the safety and health of the patient shall not be adversely affected. When used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the probe cover, sheath, and temperature-measuring device shall remit correct temperature readings as required in Specifications E667 and E1112. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E1104-98(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 11.040.99 - Other medical equipment; 17.200.20 - Temperature-measuring instruments. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E1104-98(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E344-23, ASTM E344-19, ASTM E1112-00(2018), ASTM E344-18, ASTM E344-16, ASTM E344-13, ASTM E344-12, ASTM E1112-00(2011), ASTM E344-10, ASTM E667-98(2009), ASTM E344-08, ASTM E344-07, ASTM E344-06, ASTM E1112-00(2006), ASTM E667-98(2003). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E1104-98(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1104 − 98 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Clinical Thermometer Probe Covers and Sheaths
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1104; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The definitions given in Terminology E344
1.1 This specification covers all single-use clinical ther-
shall apply to this specification with the following additions:
mometer probe covers and sheaths intended for use with any
clinical thermometer. Requirements are given for safety,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
toxicity, handling, labeling, and physical integrity. Testing
3.2.1 measurement time, n—time required from time of
procedures for appropriate requirements and a glossary of
patient contact to the time when the clinical thermometer may
terms used within the standards are provided. be removed or read to within its stated accuracy of the clinical
thermometer.
1.2 The requirements contained herein are intended to
3.2.2 patient, n—any human whose temperature is being
ensure adequate isolation of the patient from the temperature-
taken.
measuring device. In addition, the safety and health of the
patient shall not be adversely affected. When used in accor- 3.2.3 probe, n—an assembly including the transducer that is
used to position the transducer in the specific location from
dance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the probe cover,
sheath, and temperature-measuring device shall remit correct which the temperature is to be determined.
temperature readings as required in Specifications E667 and
3.2.4 probe covers and sheaths, n—devices provided for the
E1112.
purpose of preventing biological contact between the patient
and the probe or clinical thermometer.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.5 suitable packaging unit, n—the unit(s) of packaging
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
for which a specific requirement of marking and labeling is
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
logically applicable. It shall not be less than the smallest unit
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
intended for sale by the manufacturer or distributor to the final
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
user.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Requirements
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 General—Clinical thermometer probe covers and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
sheaths represented as complying with this specification shall
E344 Terminology Relating to Thermometry and Hydrom-
meet all of the requirements specified herein.
etry
4.2 Product Safety—Sheaths and probe covers shall be
E667 Specification for Mercury-in-Glass, Maximum Self-
constructed to preclude sharp points and edges that could cause
Registering Clinical Thermometers (Withdrawn 2022)
patient injury. Probe covers and sheaths shall be constructed in
E1112 Specification for Electronic Thermometer for Inter-
such a way that the person using them can install and remove
mittent Determination of Patient Temperature
them without touching that portion of the probe cover or sheath
that comes in contact with the patient.
4.3 Physical Integrity—The clinical thermometer probe
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F04 on
covers and sheaths shall be constructed and packaged so that
Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices and is the direct responsibility of
the physical integrity of the probe covers and sheaths will be
Subcommittee F04.33 on Medical/Surgical Instruments.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally maintained when applied to, used, and removed from a
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E1104 – 98 (2016).
temperature-taking device as prescribed by the manufacturer
DOI: 10.1520/E1104-98R23.
(see 5.3).
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.4 Toxicity—When the probe covers or sheaths are used as
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
specified by the manufacturers, its parts intended for contact
the ASTM website.
with anatomical sites during patient use shall be nontoxic (see
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.ast-
m.org. 5.1).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1104 − 98 (2023)
4.5 Compatibility—The clinical thermometer probe covers 5. Testing Procedures
and sheaths shall be compatible with the intended use of the
5.1 Significance and Use—This section describes the proce-
temperature-taking device (see 5.4.1).
dures necessary to verify conformance to certain requirements
of Section 4. Procedures that can be verified by observation are
4.6 Labeling:
not included. The inspection and test procedures contained in
4.6.1 Instructions shall be provided for proper usage of
this specification are used to determine the conformance of
clinical thermometer probe covers or sheaths.
probe covers or sheaths to the requirements of this specifica-
4.6.2 Suitable packaging units of the thermometer sheaths
tion. Each
...




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