[Only rectal temperature measurements are suitable for routine temperature measurement].

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Clinical Thermometry
• Patient Monitoring

Background:

• Traditional mercury thermometers are standard for patient temperature measurement.
• Rapid electronic thermometers offer potential advantages in speed and usability.
• The V.C.T. TERUMO electronic thermometer was introduced in Danish hospitals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy and suitability of the V.C.T. TERUMO electronic thermometer.
• To compare V.C.T. TERUMO oral and rectal measurements against mercury thermometers.
• To assess the V.C.T. TERUMO's performance in daily hospital routine.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 91 patients.
• Rectal and oral temperature measurements using V.C.T. TERUMO were compared to mercury thermometer readings.
• Measurements were taken under optimal conditions and during routine hospital care.

Main Results:

• Rectal V.C.T. measurements showed minimal average difference (0.02°C) and scatter (0.17°C) compared to mercury thermometers under optimal conditions.
• Rectal V.C.T. measurements during routine care had an average difference of 0.08°C and scatter of 0.26°C versus mercury thermometers.
• Oral V.C.T. measurements exhibited a larger average difference (0.75°C) and scatter (0.74°C).

Conclusions:

• Rectal V.C.T. TERUMO thermometer measurements are as suitable as traditional mercury thermometers for hospital use.
• The study recommends the adoption of rectal V.C.T. thermometer measurements in daily hospital routines.
• Oral and axillary V.C.T. measurements are not recommended due to lower accuracy.