Tympanic membrane temperature of term and preterm neonates

Deep body temperatures of 70 term and 24 preterm newborn infants were measured at two sites: deep rectum (5 cm beyond the anus) and tympanic membrane. A significant correlation was found between deep rectal and tympanic membrane temperatures in both term and preterm infants. Mean deep rectal and tympanic membrane temperatures in term infants were 37.01 degrees C and 36.83 degrees C, respectively. Mean deep rectal and tympanic membrane temperatures in preterm infants were both 36.69 degrees C.