Onubogu UC, Wonodi W, West BA. Comparison of Temperature Readings, Infrared, Non-Contact Thermometer with Contact Digital Thermometer Readings in Children.
West Afr J Med 2021;
38:851-858. [PMID:
34676741]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Body temperature is an important vital sign in clinical practice which can be measured via electronic contact thermometers and infrared non-contact thermometers.
OBJECTIVE
To compare temperature readings taken by non contact infrared thermometer with the conventional digital axillary, rectal and oral temperature readings as well as the influence of environmental temperature on noncontact infrared thermometer readings.
METHODOLOGY
A prospective study carried out in the Paediatric outpatient clinic of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria from September 2020 to December 2020. Infrared noncontact forehead and jugular temperatures along with contact axillary, oral and rectal temperatures at a recorded atmospheric temperature and pressure were measured. Data collected was analysed.
RESULTS
A total of 247 children aged 1month to 16 years were enrolled, the mean differences of the temperature pairs of contact and non-contact thermometry ranged from 0.45 - 0.77°C (1.64, -1.81°C) 95% LoA. The highest mean difference was found between infrared forehead and axillary [MD; 0.45(1.64,-0.73°C) 95%LoA] temperatures. There was a significant positive correlation between the mean difference of infrared forehead/ rectal temperature and atmospheric temperature (r = 0 .211 p = 0.029). Linear regression model showed that infrared forehead temperature of 37.1°C was equivalent to rectal temperature of 38°C and axillary of 37.4°C which is the standard cut off for fever. Infrared jugular of 37.2°C was equivalent to rectal of 38°C and axillary temperature of 37.4°C was equivalent to infrared jugular of 37.03°C all at a mean atmospheric temperature of 28.3±1.8°C.
CONCLUSION
The mean difference by which infrared noncontact thermometry predicts core temperatures may differ based on atmospheric temperature. Infrared non-contact forehead thermometer reading of 37.1°C could be considered as the fever cut off for non-contact forehead thermometry in Nigeria in regions where the mean atmospheric temperature is 28.3±1.8°C.
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