Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Intradermal Inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in the Mouse Ear
Published on: July 3, 2025
Are tympanic thermometers a source of cross-infection?
1St George's Hospital NHS Trust, London.
Aim:
To find out if tympanic thermometers are a source of cross-infection in critical care and whether cleaning is effective.
Method:
An observational study. RESULTS; In most of the inspections the surfaces of the tympanic thermometers looked clean, but three inspections revealed spots of dried fluid and one revealed a dirty base. None of the swabs taken before or after cleaning was positive, but seven of the inspections identified that the lens of the tympanic thermometer was dirty, poSsibly with cerumen (earwax).
Conclusion:
The findings from this study do not support the assumption that tympanic thermometers are a source of cross-infection in critical care, but a potential risk of cross-infection by this route cannot be excluded.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...