Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025
How to Administer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Critically ill Neonates, Infants, and Children
Published on: August 19, 2020
Which Site is Better for Skin Sensor Temperature Probe in Newborns Under Open Care System for Prevention of Hypo -
Behzad Barekatain1, Alireza Sadeghnia1, Mina Johari2
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Isfahan, Iran.
Background:
Choosing the right temperature probe location is important, especially in VLBW infants. We aimed to determine five points of the skin surface and compare them with the axillary temperature of potentially suitable locations as well as the best location for skin probe placement.
Methods:
In a cross-sectional study, 400 neonates with gestational age above 26 weeks were enrolled. The axillary temperature was measured using a mercury thermometer at 0 and 30 min. Then, the body temperature was measured using a surface probe on the five skin areas, including the thoracic area, epigastric region, RUQ area, hypogastric area, and left flanking area. Data recorded were compared with the axillary temperature at 0 and 30 min.
Results:
Mean neonatal axillary temperatures at 0 and 30 min were 36.60 and 36.61, respectively. The mean temperature was recorded using skin probes at 0 and 30 min in the thoracic region (36.34 and 36.35) in the epigastric region (36.45 and 36.47), in the RUQ region (36.50 and 36.52), in the Flank region (36.26 and 36.20), and in the hypogastric region (36.24 and 36.26). The lowest mean difference recorded by surface probes with the temperature measured by the thermometer in the axillary region was related to the surface probe RUQ (mean difference: 0.1 and 0.09), which was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
RUQ area probe has the lowest difference with the temperature calculated using the thermometer in the axillary region and is the best place to put the skin probe for prevention of hypo/hyperthermia.
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...
01:14Assessing 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...
01:13Equipments 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,...
01:27Assessing 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...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
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...