How long does a temporal artery thermometer take to obtain a temperature?

A temporal artery thermometer is designed for quick and efficient temperature readings. It works by scanning the forehead and detecting the infrared heat emitted by the temporal artery, providing an immediate reading. The typical time it takes to obtain an accurate temperature with this type of thermometer is around 3 to 4 seconds. This rapid reading is one of the key advantages of temporal artery thermometers, making them particularly suitable for use in various healthcare settings where quick assessments are crucial. The other options suggest longer times than what is typically required for this device; thus, they do not reflect the efficiency inherent in using a temporal thermometer.