I recommend you do not purchase this item. When I received it, I tried it out immediately on myself and my two children. I could not get a reading. I even had my kids try it thinking it was me but they could not get a reading either. You must have to have it in a certain way or angle. I had been using a Thermoscan brand for about 12 years and thought it was time to get a new thermometer so it is not like I am unfamiliar with ear thermometers. I sent this one back and bought a Thermoscan from a local store that worked fine. Do not waste your money!