Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Using an Ingestible Telemetric Temperature Pill to Assess Gastrointestinal Temperature During Exercise
Published on: October 7, 2015
Comparison of temporal artery to mercury and digital temperature measurement in pediatrics
Ayşegül Işler1, Resmiye Aydin2, Serife Tutar Güven3
1Akdeniz University, Nursing Faculty, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Antalya, Turkey.
Insights
Temporal artery thermometers provide accurate body temperature readings in children, comparable to traditional methods. These devices are recommended for quick and safe temperature assessment in pediatric emergency settings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Biomedical Instrumentation
- Clinical Thermometry
Background:
- Accurate body temperature measurement is crucial in pediatric care.
- Traditional thermometers like mercury and digital axillary devices have limitations.
- Temporal artery thermometers offer a non-invasive alternative for temperature assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare temperature measurements from temporal artery thermometers with mercury and digital axillary thermometers in children.
- To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of temporal artery thermometers in a pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 218 children (0-18 years) was conducted in a Pediatric Emergency Department.
- Temporal artery, mercury, and digital axillary thermometers were used simultaneously on each child.
- Data were analyzed using general linear models and the Least Significant Difference method.
Main Results:
- Average temperatures recorded were 38.9°C (temporal artery), 38.3°C (mercury), and 38°C (digital axillary).
- The differences observed between thermometer types were consistent with established literature values.
Conclusions:
- Temporal artery thermometer readings may approximate core body temperature.
- Temporal artery thermometers are recommended for pediatric emergency settings due to their accuracy, speed, and safety.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to compare the temporal artery thermometer measurements with the mercury and digital axillary thermometer measurements in children.
Methods:
This study was conducted at the Pediatric Emergency Department of Akdeniz University Hospital over a three-month period in Turkey. The sample for the study comprised 218 children (aged 0-18years). Three different methods were applied to each patient at the same time. After acquiring necessary institutional permission to conduct the study, the informed consent to participate was obtained from parents before the subjects were included in the study. The data were evaluated using general linear models. The differences between the groups were analyzed by Least Significant Difference method.
Results:
The average temperature measured by temporal artery, mercury and digital thermometers were 38.9°C, 38.3°C and 38°C respectively.
Conclusion:
Temporal artery thermometer values might be considered as core temperature. Rectal temperature is about 2°F (1°C) higher than an axillary temperature. In our study the difference between the temperature measured values was found to be consistent with the range provided in the literature. Temporal artery thermometers are recommended especially pediatric emergency settings, where an accurate, quick and safe body temperature measurement is of vital importance.
More Related Videos
04:34Mouse Body Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Thermometer During Passive Systemic Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Evaluation
Published on: September 14, 2018
08:25Impedance Pneumography for Minimally Invasive Measurement of Heart Rate in Late Stage Invertebrates
Published on: April 4, 2020
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:19Assessing 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...
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,...
01:14Assessing 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...
01:14Assessing 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...