Agreement and Repeatability of an Infrared Thermometer

Abstract

Recently, manufacturers have devised thermometers for home use by patients, such as the TempTouch Infrared Thermometer (TTIR; Diabetica Solutions, San Antonio, TX), which is designed with a long handle that can be used for self-monitoring localized skin temperature of the feet and legs. This study assessed the level of agreement and repeatability of the TTIR compared to a thermistor-type thermometer (TT; PeriFlux, 5020 Temperature Unit, Perimed, Stockholm, Sweden), the reference standard. In 17 healthy subjects, localized skin temperature was measured 8 cm above the right medial malleolus at baseline (Time 1), after a 10-minute rest period (Time 2), and after 10 minutes of cold provocation (Time 3) with a cryotherapy gel wrap placed around the lower legs using the TTIR and TT for temperature measurement. Scatter plots and correlation coefficients showed strong positive relationships between the two measurement methods at all three time points (Time 1: r = 0.95; Time 2: r = 0.97; and, Time 3: r = 0.87). Results showed a reasonable level of agreement between the two methods at Times 1 and 2 but not after cold provocation. Agreement between the methods appears to be better than repeatability within each method. Results for repeatability from both the TT and TTIR were very similar suggesting that there was a systematic bias with increasing temperatures between Time 1 and Time 2.

Reliability and validity of skin temperature measurement by telemetry thermistors and a thermal camera during exercise in the heat

“…The manufacturer stated accuracy was ±0.2°C. This type of device has been adopted as a criterion during similar validity comparisons (Kelechi et al 2011;Buono et al 2007, Burnham et al 2006 were actively cooled using a large fan and cold drinks.…”

“…Typically, T SKIN has been measured using thermocouples or wired thermistors with recent literature adopting wired thermistors as the criterion measure when validating new tools (Kelechi et al 2011, Buono et al 2007, Burnham et al 2006. A thermocouple is a temperature-measuring device consisting of two dissimilar conductors that contact each other at one or more joint locations.…”

A Comparison between Conductive and Infrared Devices for Measuring Mean Skin Temperature at Rest, during Exercise in the Heat, and Recovery

“…The clinically significant threshold for healthy normalised skin temperature differences is 0.5°C [ 23 , 24 ]. Consequently, mean differences between conductive and infrared devices measured at localised sites must not exceed this value [ 2 , 20 , 25 , 26 ]. However, no recommendations pertaining to the classification of practically meaningful differences and limits of agreement between conductive and infrared devices for the measurement of have been outlined.…”

Impact of daily cooling treatment on skin inflammation in patients with chronic venous disease

“…Baseline lower leg skin temperatures, measured 5 cm above the medial malleolus were recorded with the thermistor (PeriFlux 5020 Temperature Unit, Perimed, Stockholm, Sweden) which has previously been shown to demonstrate a high level of agreement with the infrared thermometer (TempTouch, Diabetica Solutions, San Antonio, TX) used in this study [7, 15]. Demographic data, vital signs, and the medical history were also collected.…”

“…Our previous studies have described skin temperature elevation and patterns of temperature variability of CVeD-inflamed skin, measured with validated infrared- and thermistor-type thermometers at the gaiter area of affected lower legs [7]. We found that skin temperature was elevated by ∼1-2°C compared to unaffected contralateral skin and the lower leg skin of healthy controls [8].…”