Measuring temperature of NICU patients – A comparison of three devices

BackgroundThe provision of a thermoneutral environment is a cornerstone of neonatal care. An accurate method of temperature measurement is required in order that neonatal nurses can provide this care. Glass mercury thermometers, now rarely used in the developed world were once the gold standard. They have mainly been replaced by many different types of modern thermometers.MethodsThis study aims to compare the accuracy and user-acceptability of one electronic and one infrared thermometer (Lightouch Neonate, Exergen Corp, USA; Suretemp 678, Welch Allyn, Beaverton, USA) with traditional glass mercury thermometry for intermittent temperature measurement on the NICU, using the axilla as the measuring site.ResultsThe results demonstrate a generally positive performance of the two devices tested. The mean (SD) difference between the readings from the Suretemp thermometer and the glass mercury thermometer was 0.1 (±0.25)°C. The mean difference between the readings from the Lightouch thermometer and the glass mercury thermometer is 0.07 °C.