1411 Validating the Agreement Between Newer Infrared Forehead Thermometry with Axillary Digital Thermometry in Neonates

• Published in: Archives of disease in childhood 2012-10, Vol.97 (Suppl 2), p.A402-A402
• Main Authors: Sethi, AR, Nimbalkar, AS, Patel, DV, Phatak, AG, Nimbalkar, SM
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Body temperature; Climate; Environmental hazards; Mercury; Neonates; Patients; Temperature measurement
• ISSN: 0003-9888; 1468-2044
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-302724.1411

Background and Aims The traditional mercury thermometer has been replaced by the more “user friendly” digital thermometer. As accuracy is comparable with both instruments and mercury remains an environmental hazard they are no longer recommended. New non invasive method of measuring temperature may reduce infection rate as well as intangible pain and suffering of neonate. Methods The body temperature of patients admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was measured using axillary digital thermometer as well as a handheld infrared non touch thermometer. Patients placed under radiant warmers were included. Temperature recordings were taken as required routinely for clinical care. Axillary temperature was recorded within 30 seconds and the forehead temperature within 5 seconds. Results The body temperature measured by Axillary digital thermometer and forehead method do not agree well (95% limits of agreement: –4.2, 2.2). A trend was observed suggesting that agreement depends on the magnitude of the temperature. The agreement slightly improved when patients in warmer were excluded (95% limits of agreement: –4.1, 2.1) with similar trend. The best possible agreement was observed between warmer and axillary temperature but was not clinically acceptable (95% limits of agreement: –0.99, 2.36). Conclusion Forehead temperature due to non touch may appear less disturbing to the neonate and also time saving for the nurse but they are misleading. The infrared technology needs further improvement before it can be used in our setting. Although advent of technology is tempting, a scientific validation of new technology under different settings is caveat before adapting it.