Core temperature measurement in adults: a literature review

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature related to the clinical assessment of core body temperature in adults. It does not attempt to address temperature measurement in children. It considers temperature-taking instruments used in current practice, and predominantly investigates the use of the three main sites of rectum, mouth and axilla.

Clinical accuracy of non-contact infrared thermometer from umbilical region in children: A new side

“…As core temperature measurement requires invasive techniques, it is impractical to use them to achieve the criterion standard in routine practice 6,17 . The use of rectal mercury thermometers had long been the standard method for routine measurements but they were banned in Turkey in 2010 13,17,18 .…”

“…There are many methods and sites for measuring temperature. Each method and sites have their own advantages and disadvantages [4][5][6][7] . Oral and rectal temperatures are the most reliable predictors of core temperature 8,9 .…”

Effect of Mud Bath on Autonomic and Respiratory Variables in Normal Healthy Volunteers- A Randomized Control Trial

“…[10] The body temperature will be recorded with a thermometer by placing under left axillary arm pit.…”

Emergency Nursing Resource: Non-Invasive Temperature Measurement in the Emergency Department

“…Accurate body temperature measurement in the ED is necessary for the timely detection and management of fever or hypothermia; as well as evaluating treatment effectiveness (Crawford, Hicks, & Thompson, 2006;SundLevander & Grodzinsky, 2009). Pulmonary artery (PA) temperature is considered the "gold" standard for measuring core body temperature (Fulbrook, 1993), as mixed venous blood temperature reflects thermoregulation by the hypothalamus. Other invasive methods include esophageal, rectal and bladder measurements.…”

“…Other invasive methods include esophageal, rectal and bladder measurements. Rectal temperature is considered the least invasive among these invasive temperature measures, and often is assumed to approximate core temperature (Fulbrook, 1993). Noninvasive temperature measurement methods include oral, temporal artery (TA), axillary and aural [tympanic membrane (TM)] measurements (Bridges & Thomas, 2009).…”