Infrared Tympanic Thermometer Research Articles

Comparison of infrared tympanic and non-contact temporal artery thermometer in determining the body temperature of patients in cardiovascular surgical intensive care

Accurate measurement of body temperature is crucial post-cardiovascular surgery, given the intricate and high-risk nature of cardiovascular procedures. In this prospective observational study, the safety and efficacy of infrared tympanic thermometers (ITT) and non-contact infrared temporal artery thermometers (NCTAT) were assessed in intensive care patients recovering from cardiovascular surgery. Conducted at a state hospital in Istanbul from April to July 2016, the study included 60 eligible patients meeting the specified criteria. Results indicated a slightly higher body temperature measurement with ITT (36.42±0.72) compared to NCTAT (36.02±0.79). NCTAT and ITT values were found (right ear: bias =0.39°C, limits of agreement: -1.99°C to 1.21°C; left ear: bias =0.29°C, limits of agreement: -1.59°C to 1.01°C) in the statistical evaluation by Bland and Altman analysis method. Repeatability, intragroup correlation and scatter plots of both measuring devices did not show a significant difference. In conclusion, within the cardiovascular surgical intensive care unit, both types of thermometers prove suitable for body temperature measurement. Healthcare professionals can make informed choices between the two based on the distinct advantages and disadvantages associated with each device.

Clinical Accuracy of Non-Contact Forehead Infrared Thermometer Measurement in Children: An Observational Study.

We evaluated the clinical reliability and utility of temperature measurements using no-contact forehead infrared thermometers (NCFITs) by comparing their temperature measurements with those obtained using infrared tympanic thermometers (IRTTs) in children. In this observational, prospective, and cross-sectional study, we enrolled 255 children (aged 1 month to 18 years) from the pediatric surgery ward at a tertiary medical center in Korea. The mean age of the children was 9.05 ± 5.39 years, and 54.9% were boys. The incidence rate of fever, defined as an IRTT reading of ≥38.0 °C, was 15.7%. The ICC coefficient for the assessment of agreement between temperatures recorded by the NCFIT and IRTT was 0.87, and the κ-coefficient was 0.83. The bias and 95% limits of agreement were 0.15 °C (−0.43 to 0.73). For an accurate diagnosis of fever (≥38 °C), the false-negative rate was much lower, but the false-positive rate was higher, especially in 6-year-old children. Therefore, NCFITs can be used to screen children for fever. However, a secondary check is required using another thermometer when the child’s temperature is >38 °C. NCFITs are proposed for screening but not for measuring the temperature. For the latter, an accurate and reliable thermometer shall be used.

1342 Screening Patients’ Temperature in COVID-era Outpatient Clinics: An Overreliance on Unreliable Devices?

Abstract Aim The Covid-19 pandemic continues to impair patient access to hospital clinics. One way of enabling outpatient services to continue safely is to screen for pyrexia by checking patients’ temperature prior to their clinic appointment. Infrared tympanic thermometers (ITT) are commonly used as a surrogate marker of core temperature. Non-contact infrared cutaneous thermometers (NICT) are increasingly favoured as they require no direct contact with patients. The aim was to measure the concordance of temperature readings between ITT and NICT on patients attending ENT outpatient clinic at one hospital. Method Body temperature was recorded using ITT and NICT on 63 sequential patients. Agreement was tested using a Bland-Altman plot with 95% confidence interval and paired T-tests. Results Mean body temperature was significantly lower (p < 0.05) for the NICT [36.3 °C (95% CI 36.2 °C-36.4 °C)] compared with the ITT [36.6 °C (95% CI 36.5 °C-36.7 °C)]. The NICT measured on average 0.34 °C (95% CI 0.33 °C-0.35 °C) lower than the ITT. The Bland-Altman plot showed moderate agreement of the two methods (SD 0.46 °C; limits -1.25 °c to 0.57 °c); however, disagreement was greater at higher and lower temperature extremes. Conclusions Screening patients for pyrexia aims to help prevent spread of COVID-19. False negatives result in a missed opportunity to break the chain of transmission. A significant proportion of false negatives may reverse any intended benefit. NICT are convenient but may be more susceptible to false negatives when assessing for pyrexia and may provide little more than false reassurance when used for pyrexia screening.

Use of non-contact infrared thermometers in rehabilitation patients: a randomized controlled study.

ObjectiveIn this randomized controlled study, we aimed to determine whether non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) are more time-efficient and create less patient distress than mercury axillary thermometers (MATs) and infrared tympanic thermometers (ITTs).MethodsForty-five rehabilitation inpatients were randomly assigned to one of three groups (NCIT, MAT, and ITT). Time required to measure body temperature with an NCIT, MAT, and ITT was recorded. We examined associations between time required to take patients’ temperature and measuring device used. Patient distress experienced during temperature measurement using the three thermometers was recorded.ResultsA significantly longer average time was required to measure temperatures using the MAT (mean 43.17, standard deviation [SD] 8.39) than the ITT (mean 13.74, SD 1.63) and NCIT (mean 12.13, SD 1.18). The thermometer used influenced the time required to measure body temperature (t = 33.99). There were significant differences among groups (NCIT vs. ITT, NCIT vs. MAT, and ITT vs. MAT) regarding patient distress among the different thermometers. Most distress arose owing to needing help from others, sleep disruption, and boredom.ConclusionThe NCIT has clinically relevant advantages over the ITT and MAT in measuring body temperature among rehabilitation patients, including saving nurses’ time and avoiding unnecessary patient distress.Clinical trial registration number (http://www.chictr.org.cn): ChiCTR1800019756.

Diagnostic test accuracy of new generation tympanic thermometry in children under different cutoffs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe infrared tympanic thermometer (IRTT) is a popular method for temperature screening in children, but it has been debated for the low accuracy and reproducibility compared with other measurements. This study was aimed to identify and quantify studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of the new generation IRTT in children and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of IRTT under different cutoffs and give the optimal cutoff.MethodsArticles were derived from a systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and Embase, and were assessed for internal validity by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). The figure of risk of bias was created by Review Manager 5.3 and data were synthesized by MetaDisc 1.4.ResultsTwelve diagnostic studies, involving 4639 pediatric patients, were included. The cut-offs varied from 37.0 °C to 38.0 °C among these studies. The cut-off 37.8 °C was with the highest sROC AUC (0.97) and Youden Index (0.83) and was deemed to be the optimal cutoff.ConclusionThe optimal cutoff for infrared tympanic thermometers is 37.8 °C. New Generation Tympanic Thermometry is with high diagnostic accuracy in pediatric patients and can be an alternative for fever screening in children.

Performance of a non-contact infrared thermometer in healthy newborns

ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of a non-contact infrared thermometer (NCIT) in comparison with digital axillary thermometer (DAT) and infrared tympanic thermometers (ITT) in a population of healthy at term and...

Progress in pediatrics in 2011. Choices in endocrinology, gastroenterology, hemato-oncology, infectious diseases, otolaryngology, pharmacotherapy and respiratory tract illnesses

Main progresses in endocrinology, gastroenterology, hemato-oncology, infectious diseases, otolaryngology, pharmacotherapy, and respiratory tract illnesses selected from articles published in The Italian Journal of Pediatrics in 2011 were reviewed. Risk factors for gastroenteritis and appendicitis in developing countries may be useful in improving our understanding of these diseases. Childhood hearing impairment is a world-wide problem which continues to have an high prevalence in newborns. Among the mechanisms of diseases, obese children often have asthma and high hepcidin levels that may reduce serum iron concentrations. In cystic fibrosis, 18q distal deletion has been described as a novel mutation. Hypothyroidism in children with central nervous system infections may increase mortality rates. Infrared tympanic thermometer (IRTT) in oral mode for the measurement of body temperature may be useful in fever screening in a busy setup. In newborns, the transmission of CMV infection through breast milk may be prevented through freezing or pasteurization. Recent advances in treatment of constipation, urinary tract infections, leukemia, pain in children with cancer, neonates with sepsis or difficult weaning from mechanical ventilation will likely contribute towards optimizing management of these common disorders. The work of the Family Pediatricians Medicines for Children Research Network aims to develop competence, infrastructure, networking and education for pediatric clinical trials.

The usefulness of an earphone-type infrared tympanic thermometer during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: clinical report

We evaluated the usefulness of a novel earphone-type infrared tympanic thermometer (IRT) during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Tympanic membrane temperature (T(Tym)) was monitored using the IRT inserted into the right ear canal of 12 adult patients (ASA III) who had been scheduled for elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass under general anesthesia. Rectum (T(Rec)) and nasopharyngeal temperatures (T(Naso)) were also monitored, and all temperatures were recorded at 5-min intervals during cardiopulmonary bypass. Operating room temperature was kept at 20°-27°C; a conductive warming/cooling system was used to control the patient's body temperature. Of 265 measurements obtained, body temperature range was 31.6°-37.6°C. No complications were related to site of insertion of the monitoring probe. Significant correlations were seen between T(Tym) and T(Naso) (r = 0.971, P < 0.001), and T(Tym) and T(Rec) (r = 0.759, P < 0.001). A Bland-Altman plot showed that average temperature of T (Tym) was 0.06°C above T(Naso) (±0.66°C, 2 SD) and 0.12°C below T(Rec) (±1.78°C, 2 SD). We conclude that an earphone-type IRT is noninvasive and hygienic and could continuously evaluate selective cerebral temperature during cardiopulmonary bypass in adults.

Fever detection in under 5 children in a tertiary health facility using the infrared tympanic thermometer in the oral mode

Monitoring of body temperature is an important clinical procedure in the care of sick children, especially the under-5 children, as many disease conditions present with fever. The oral mercury-in-glass thermometer which has relatively good accuracy cannot be used in children less than 5 years because it requires their cooperation. This study was aimed at using the infrared tympanic thermometer (IRTT) in oral mode to measure temperature in febrile and afebrile children less than 5 years. Rectal and tympanic temperatures were measured consecutively in 400 febrile and 400 afebrile under-5 children matched for age, using the mercury-in-glass thermometer and the IRTT in oral mode respectively. In the febrile children, the mean tympanic temperature was 38.6 ± 0.9°C, while the mean rectal temperature was 39.0 ± 0.8°C. In the afebrile group, the mean tympanic temperature was 37.0 ± 0.4°C, while the mean rectal temperature was 37.4 ± 0.3°C. The mean difference between rectal and tympanic temperatures in both groups was statistically significant. There was good correlation between the two temperatures. The tympanic thermometer used in the oral mode had a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 96.5%. The IRTT (oral mode) may not be reliable in estimating 'core' body temperature in children under the age of five years, but with a fairly good sensitivity and specificity, as well as its other advantages such as short duration of measurement, convenience and safety, it is a useful instrument for screening children with fever in a busy setup.

A Comparison of Different Methods of Temperature Measurements in Sick Newborns

We aimed to compare the accuracy of digital axillary thermometer (DAT), rectal glass mercury thermometer (RGMT), infrared tympanic thermometer (ITT) and infrared forehead skin thermometer (IFST) measurements with traditional axillary glass mercury thermometer (AGMT) for intermittent temperature measurement in sick newborns. A prospective, descriptive and comparative study in which five different types of thermometer readings were performed sequentially for 3 days. A total of 1989 measurements were collected from 663 newborns. DAT and ITT measurements correlated most closely to AGMT (r = 0.94). The correlation coefficent for IFST and RGMT were 0.74 and 0.87, respectively. The mean differences for DAT, ITT, RGMT and IFST were +0.02°C, +0.03°C, +0.25°C and +0.55°C, respectively. There were not any clinical differences (defined as a mean difference of 0.2°C) between both mean AGMT&DAT and AGMT&ITT measurements. Our study suggests that tympanic thermometer measurement could be used as an acceptable and practical method for sick newborn in neonatal units.

Evaluation of Performance and Uncertainty of Infrared Tympanic Thermometers

Infrared tympanic thermometers (ITTs) are easy to use and have a quick response time. They are widely used for temperature measurement of the human body. The accuracy and uncertainty of measurement is the importance performance indicator for these meters. The performance of two infrared tympanic thermometers, Braun THT-3020 and OMRON MC-510, were evaluated in this study. The cell of a temperature calibrator was modified to serve as the standard temperature of the blackbody. The errors of measurement for the two meters were reduced by the calibration equation. The predictive values could meet the requirements of the ASTM standard. The sources of uncertainty include the standard deviations of replication at fixed temperature or the predicted values of calibration equation, reference standard values and resolution. The uncertainty analysis shows that the uncertainty of calibration equation is the main source for combined uncertainty. Ambient temperature did not have the significant effects on the measured performance. The calibration equations could improve the accuracy of ITTs. However, these equations did not improve the uncertainty of ITTs.

The Usefulness of an Earphone-Type Infrared Tympanic Thermometer for Intraoperative Core Temperature Monitoring

In this study we sought to determine the usefulness of a novel earphone-type infrared tympanic thermometer (IRT) for core temperature monitoring during surgery. Two groups of patients were studied under different surgical conditions. The first group consisted of 18 adult patients (ASA I or II) who had been scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. Before induction of general anesthesia, an earphone-type IRT was inserted into either the left or right ear canal. Tympanic temperature was monitored and recorded along with both rectal and esophageal temperatures during anesthesia. The second group consisted of eight adult patients (ASA II or III) who had been scheduled for cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Similar to the first group, tympanic temperature was measured by the earphone-type IRT and recorded along with the rectal and esophageal temperatures during cooling and rewarming phases of cardiopulmonary bypass. Study 1-The average temperature (+/-2 sd) measured with the IRT was +0.08 degrees C (+/-0.34 degrees C) above the esophageal temperature, and that with the rectal temperature was +0.11 degrees C (+/-0.55 degrees C) above the esophageal temperature. Study 2-The average temperature (+/-2 sd) measured with the IRT was +0.72 degrees C (+/-2.2 degrees C) above the esophageal temperature during cooling and warming phases during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The earphone-type IRT might be used in a clinical setting for reliable and continuous core temperature monitoring during an operation.

The Patient: A Novel Source of Error in Clinical Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Aural Thermometry

The vital signs are an important component of patient assessment. With respect to body temperature; there has been a move away from mercury-in-glass thermometers toward the relatively inexpensive, safer to use infrared tympanic, auricular, or ear thermometer. Although already in widespread use, the reliability of these devices has increasingly been called into question. Few studies, however, have considered that the problem might reside outside the device itself. To investigate the correlation between left ear temperature and right ear temperature using an infrared tympanic thermometer (ITT). A prospective, single-blind trail with randomized assignment of the first ear to be assessed. Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIOC), University of Glamorgan. One hundred and thirty two (132) asymptomatic subjects who were opportunistically sampled on entry into the WIOC. None of the subjects had any neurologic deficit, or any known underlying pathologic problems. All were students at the University of Glamorgan (age range, 18-48 years). A smaller sample of the same cohort was used on a separate occasion to compare ITTs from 2 different manufacturers using the same protocol. Measurement of ear (ear canal/tympanic) temperature bilaterally using an ITT. Bilateral asymmetry in ear canal temperature. Analysis consisted of nonparametric statistical tests, using Spearman's correlation for comparison and the Wilcoxon matched pairs test for differences. In 132 subjects who completed the main study, although a degree of correlation was found, the relationship did not extrapolate through zero. At temperatures more than 0.4 degrees C above or below 36.7 degrees C, there was a significant difference in temperature in the left compared with the right ear. Additionally, the left ear tended to register a lower temperature than the right ear at temperatures below 36.7 degrees C, whereas the left ear tended to read a higher temperature than the right ear above 36.7 degrees C. The authors suggest that clinicians consider measuring both ears, and take the greater of the readings to be a more accurate reflection of the patient's core temperature. The difference may perhaps even be related to the person's health. This change in methodology should increase the reliability of the measurement and go some way toward restoring confidence in the use of ITT devices.

Condicionantes otológicos en termometría timpánica con infrarrojos en niños

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of different otoscopic findings on body thermometry in children using an infra-red tympanic thermometer Patients and methodsBody temperature was measured on healthy right and left ear canals with Thermoscan systems. Moreover, it was determined on children with altered otoscopy, comparing to normal contralateral ear. To assess its diagnostic fiability, accuracy ratios were calculated in different temperatures ResultsTemperature measured bilaterally did not offer differences, and intra/interassay variation ratios were always less than 0,34%. Acute otitis externa increased tympanic thermometry a mean of 0,36 degrees C (p<0,001), and cerumen and previously radical surgery decreased a mean of 0,62 and 0,53 degrees C, respectively (p<0,001) ConclusionsThe conditions mentioned before modify body thermometry if measured by infrared tympanic thermometer. So, this system must be avoided in these circumstances. Otitis media, fluid in middle ear, tympanic perforation and ventilation tubes did not modify thermometric results

Cold hands, warm heart

The saying “cold hands, warm heart” probably has a basis in temperature differences between men and women. In medicine, infrared tympanic thermometers (ITT) are widely used to quickly and reliably determine core temperature by measuring the infrared radiation given off by the tympanic membrane. 1 Edge G Morgan M The Genius infrared thermometer. Anaesthesia. 1993; 48: 604-607 Crossref PubMed Scopus (45) Google Scholar , 2 Yeo SA Hayashi RH Wan JY Dubler B Tympanic versus rectal thermometry in pregnant women. J Obstet Gynecol Neonat Nurse. 1995; 24: 719-724 Crossref PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar This technology can also be applied to measure the temperature on any body surface and has been successfully used to measure the temperature of the cornea. 3 Fujishima H Toda I Yamada M Sato N Tsubota K Corneal temperature in patients with dry eye evaluated by infrared radiation thermometry. Br J Ophthalmol. 1996; 80: 29-32 Crossref PubMed Scopus (96) Google Scholar We used this instrument to investigate the role of sex in determining core and hand temperatures.

An Evaluation Of Infra-Red Tympanic Thermometry For Thermal Physiology Research

This study forms part of a research programme to investigate the relationships between the rise in core temperature and the environmental temperature in soldiers exercising at a constant rate. The...

Measuring the accuracy of the infrared tympanic thermometer: Correlation does not signify agreement

This prospective study assessed the accuracy of the infrared tympanic thermometer (ITT) compared to the rectal thermometer (RT) using statistical measures of agreement. In a convenience sample of 100 adult emergency department patients, ear examinations to assess for cerumen or otitis were followed by temperature measurements using the First Temp 2000A thermometer in both ears and the IVAC 2000 rectally. Left and right ITT temperatures showed high correlation and agreement; therefore, only right ITT results are reported. Both the ITT and RT recorded similar mean temperatures, standard deviations, and ranges. The correlation of the ITT and RT and agreement were below the 0.8 level, indicating excellent agreement. The mean temperature difference (RT-ITT) between the two devices was 0.1 ± 0.7 °C; in 10% of patients, the temperature difference was ≥1 °C. Among 10 patients identified as febrile by RT(RT ≥ 38.5 °C), 6 were febrile by ITT. Significant differences occurred between the temperature measurements using the ITT and RT; these devices do not demonstrate excellent agreement.