Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Fabrication and Testing of Photonic Thermometers
Published on: October 24, 2018
Accuracy and Precision of Third-Generation Tympanic Thermometers With Varying Calibration Intervals: A Multicenter
Mattia Morri1, Anna Brugnolli2, Lea Godino3
1Department of Nursing, Technical and Rehabilitation Care, IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy.
Aim:
To evaluate intra- and interoperator reliability and accuracy of the third-generation tympanic thermometer (GeniusTM3) and to explore the relationship between measurement error and calibration intervals of the tympanic thermometer.
Design:
Open-label, pragmatic multicenter cross-sectional study.
Methods:
The study was carried out in intensive care units and operating theaters across five hospitals in Northern Italy. Patients of any age admitted to intensive care units or undergoing surgical procedures in operating theaters between December 2023 and October 2024 were enrolled. Two trained nurses independently took the temperature three consecutive times using the same tympanic thermometer. Core temperature was measured using one of the gold standard methods. The measurement error was calculated as the difference between the gold standard measurement and the measurement made with the tympanic temperature.
Results:
A total of 550 patients were enrolled. The precision of the tympanic thermometer was shown to be excellent in both intraobserver and interobserver reliability. The tympanic thermometer consistently underestimated body temperature, with a mean measurement error of 0.3°C and a limits of agreement of ±1.3°C. The generalized linear model (GLM) showed calibration interval, recruiting hospital, and the variable defined by their interaction as factors that were independently and statistically significant predictors of accuracy variation.
Conclusions:
The third-generation tympanic thermometer (GeniusTM3) represents a reliable tool for ensuring high accuracy in terms of both intraoperator and interoperator concordance. However, the accuracy of the device has been significantly affected by the timing of the calibration: a calibration interval of more than 6 months results in a significant deterioration in accuracy.
More Related Videos
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...
01:13Equipments 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...
01:19Assessing 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...
01:27Assessing 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 - 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...