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Comparison of forehead infrared thermometry with axillary digital thermometry in neonates

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Abstract

Fluctuations in core body temperature beyond a narrow range are of concern as they indicate changed homeostasis. Thermoregulation remains a key aspect of neonatal care. New ‘non touch’ method of measuring temperature may reduce infection rate and discomfort of neonates. Body temperature of neonates admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was measured using axillary digital thermometer and a handheld infrared non touch thermometer. The two methods did not agree well (mean difference = −0.5, 95% limits of agreement: [−2.3, 1.2]). The agreement was similar with a negligible difference when patients in open care warmers were excluded (mean difference = −0.6, 95% limits of agreement: [−2.3, 1.1]). As the accuracy is unsatisfactory, the said technology needs further improvement before it can be adapted for routine patient care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India

    Ankur Sethi, Dipen Patel & Somashekhar Nimbalkar

  2. Central Research Services, HM Patel Academic Center, HM Patel center for Medical care and Education, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India

    Ajay Phatak & Somashekhar Nimbalkar

  3. Department of Pediatrics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, 388 325, India

    Somashekhar Nimbalkar

Authors
  1. Ankur Sethi
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  2. Dipen Patel
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  3. Archana Nimbalkar
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  4. Ajay Phatak
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  5. Somashekhar Nimbalkar
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Correspondence to Somashekhar Nimbalkar.

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Sethi, A., Patel, D., Nimbalkar, A. et al. Comparison of forehead infrared thermometry with axillary digital thermometry in neonates. Indian Pediatr 50, 1153–1154 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-013-0302-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-013-0302-y

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