Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants
Published on: March 14, 2013
A comparison of temperature-taking methods in neonates
1Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108-9898, USA.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare temperature measurements from glass/mercury thermometers to Tempa.Dot Single-Use Clinical Thermometer, B-D Digital Fever Thermometer, Mon-a-Therm Model 1000 Skin Temperature Monitor, IVAC CORE.CHECK Tympanic Thermometer, and IncuTemp3 radiant warmer skin temperature sensor measurements. The effects of ten environmental, developmental, and pharmacological factors on thermometer readings were also assessed.
Design:
The design was descriptive.
Sample:
The convenience sample included 220 infants > or = 1,500 gm (average weight of 2,715 +/- 743 gm). Average age was 17 +/- 22 days of life.
Main Outcome Variable:
The outcomes were comparisons between the "reference" axillary glass/mercury thermometer readings and axillary, skin, and tympanic measurements obtained from other thermometers.
Results:
The B-D Digital Fever thermometer had the highest correlation with the glass/mercury thermometer for axillary temperature. Tempa.DOT measurements showed the next highest correlation with the glass/mercury thermometer measurements. Tympanic temperature measured by CORE.CHECK was moderately correlated with the glass/mercury thermometer measurement. Skin temperatures were influenced by nesting, clothing, swaddling, and probe site placement. Tympanic readings showed effects of bed type and environmental temperature.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:14Assessing 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...
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 forehead...