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Evidence summaries

Methods of Temperature Measurement in Neonates, Infants and Children

The optimal methods of temperature measurement in neonates and paediatric practice appear to be disposable crystal, mercury glass and electronic digital thermometers employed at the rectal site. Level of evidence: "B"

A narrative systematic review 1 including 33 studies was abstracted in DARE.

2 studies found that disposable chrystal and electronic digital thermometers were as accurate as mercury glass thermometer. According to 12 studies, the axilla site is an inaccurate, inconsistent and insensitive method of temperature measurement.

According to 20 studies, infrared tympanic thermometry is an inaccurate, inconsistent and insensitive method of temperature measurement.

Comment: The quality of evidence is upgraded by large magnitude of effect.

    References

    • Duce JS. A systematic review of the literature to determine optimal methods of temperature measurement in neonates, infants and children. 1996, 124 pages (source not stated in more detail). [DARE]

Primary/Secondary Keywords