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A comparison of temperature measurements using three ear thermometers
M E Weiss1, V Sitzer, M Clarke
1Marquette University College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA.
Applied Nursing Research : ANR
|December 16, 1998
Summary
This study found significant variability in ear thermometer accuracy across multiple users in clinical settings. Results question the reliability of ear thermometers when used by different healthcare professionals.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Thermometry
- Patient Monitoring
- Medical Device Accuracy
Background:
- Anecdotal and research reports indicate potential inaccuracies with ear thermometers.
- Existing literature highlights concerns regarding the reliability of tympanic thermometers in patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of three different ear thermometers.
- To evaluate thermometer performance in a multioperator clinical environment.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase study design was employed.
- Ear temperature measurements were compared against oral and pulmonary artery catheter reference standards.
- Measurements were taken in a multioperator, multisubject patient care setting.
Main Results:
- Within-subject variation (limits of agreement) ranged from +/- 1.25°F to 1.85°F against oral standards.
- Limits of agreement ranged from +/- 2.19°F to 2.85°F against core body temperature standards.
- Operator handedness, patient position, and ear used did not significantly impact variability.
Conclusions:
- Substantial variation exists in ear temperature measurements, particularly in multioperator settings.
- The findings raise concerns about the clinical utility and reliability of ear thermometers in hospital environments.
- Further research is needed to validate ear thermometer accuracy in diverse clinical workflows.