Evaluation of an inaccurate pulmonary artery catheter thermistor

A previously undescribed complication involving PAC thermistor temperature readings is characterized in this study. The thermistor readings became falsely elevated after the PAC was immersed in water, increasing steadily to 17.6 degrees C above control temperature readings. The abnormality resolved when the PAC was removed from immersion. A survey of ICUs revealed that PAC thermistors are frequently used to monitor the body temperature of patients requiring PACs. Only seven (35 percent) of 20 surveyed ICUs using PAC thermistors routinely confirmed PAC estimates of body temperature with another thermometric device. Since erroneous temperature measurements can have profoundly deleterious effects on clinical management, routine validation of PAC thermistors should be considered.