How reliable is axillary temperature measurement?

Falzon, A; Grech, Victor; Caruana, Bruce J.; Magro, A.; Attard-Montalto, Simon

doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.2003.tb00551.x

Cited by 44 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…However, this high correlation alone does not always mean that these two methods can be accurately used instead of one another. Although numerous studies report correlations when comparing new devices to old; few examine whether the devices agree 20 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2016

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Measurement from axillary site with digital thermometer has been accepted as the most accurate method. But this method is time consuming. Tympanic and forehead measurements are often used but don't always seem to be more appropriate. Another site, umbilical region, could be an alternative site. This study aims to compare the measurements with axillary digital thermometer and non-contact infrared thermometers at sites from umbilicus and forehead to determine whether umbilical site could be used accurately in children. For each method, 2,048 measurements in total were performed. Using axillary method as gold standard, with a cut-off temperature of 38 o C, the sensitivities and specificities, positive and negative predictive values of umbilical and forehead temperatures and area under the ROC curve were determined in non obese children. There was a significant positive correlation between axillary and umbilical temperatures with a correlation coefficient of 0.78. The average difference between the mean of both axillary and umbilical temperatures was -0.47 ± 0.65°C. The Bland-Altman plot showed good accuracy with only 2.5 % of the readings falling outside the 95% level of confidence. Umbilical measurements showed sensitivity of 71.7% and specificity of 95.8%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.93.The easy application may lead noncontact measurements from umbilicus site to be the preferable method for health care providers, but agreement limits mentioned in this study should be considered.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2016

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“…Falzon et al [30] have concluded for young children that axillary temperature measurements do not reliably reflect rectal temperatures and should therefore be interpreted with caution. Clearly, a reliable noninvasive and fast method to assess the core temperature in the (preterm) neonate will be of great clinical value.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Both Barton et al [29] and Falzon et al [30] used the methodology of Bland and Altman [24,25], but they did not include preterm neonates. Falzon et al [30] have concluded for young children that axillary temperature measurements do not reliably reflect rectal temperatures and should therefore be interpreted with caution.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Axillary and Rectal Temperature Measurements Poorly Agree in Newborn Infants

Müller

Berkel

Beaufort³

2008

Neonatology

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Aim: Evaluation of the agreement between axillary temperature measurements and rectal temperature measurements in neonates. Methods: Rectal and axillary body temperatures were simultaneously measured for 3 min in 33 neonates (gestational age 25–42 weeks, weight 840–4,005 g). Two investigators performed paired measurements, one in each neonate. A single type of thermometer was used in this study: one thermometer for each rectal and another thermometer for each axillary measurement. The Bland-Altman method was used (95% ‘limits of agreement’: mean ± 2 SD) to determine the level of agreement between axillary and rectal measurements. Results: The axillary temperature was significantly lower than the rectal temperature (mean ± SD 0.27 ± 0.20°C, p < 0.05). The ‘95% limits of agreement’ ranged from –0.13 to +0.67°C. Increasing postnatal age (days) showed a significant increase in temperature difference (rectal minus axillary; r = 0.54; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The mean difference between axillary and rectal temperature shows a wide variation. Axillary temperature measurements cannot be used interchangeably with rectal measurements in neonates.

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“…Hypothermia was defined as an admission axillary temperature less than 36°C. This standard was based on the recommendation in the Project 27/28 report published by the Confidential Enquiries into Stillbirths and Deaths in Infancy [7]. No other factors in labour room management of pre-term infants had changed over the period audited.…”

Section: Subjectsmentioning

confidence: 99%