Temperature Recording In Neonates by Non-Contact Thermometer Versus Routine Digital Thermometer - The Best Modality?

Introduction: Measurement of temperature in neonates should be accurate, reliable and reproducible, considering that they have a limited ability to regulate their own temperature. There is no ideal thermometer to measure temperature, however, there has been a constant endeavour to find more accurate and non-invasive means of measurement. The present study was conducted to find whether Non-Contact Infrared thermometers were as accurate as Digital Axillary thermometers in measuring temperatures in neonates. Methodology: This was a comparative diagnostic study, carried out in the maternity unit of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 6 weeks. A total of 154 neonates were recruited in the study through consecutive sampling and their temperatures recorded using Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer (NCIT) on forehead and Digital Axillary Thermometer (DAT) on axilla simultaneously. Results: The average temperature recording on forehead using NCIT and axilla using DAT, was in the range of 36 – 37oC, with the NCIT showing a higher recording as compared to the DAT. The mean difference between the two modalities was -0.46oC. A Bland-Altman plot analysis was done, in which majority of readings had wide variation, falling beyond the upper (0.57oC) and lower (-1.49oC) limits. A linear regression plot also showed a positive correlation between NCIT on forehead and DAT on axilla, with absolute R value = 0.2, which showed a weak correlation between the two. Conclusion: It was concluded that NCIT measurements on forehead are not as accurate as DAT measurements on axilla. However, a larger study, is needed to extrapolate these findings to the general population.    Conclusion: It was concluded that NCIT measurements on forehead are not as accurate as DAT measurements on axilla. However, a larger study, is needed to extrapolate these findings to the general population.