Body Temperature using Oral Mercury Thermometer in Comparison to Infrared Tympanic Thermometer

Abstract

Background: Standard method for measuring body temperature has relied on oral site by using mercury thermometers (MT). Infrared tympanic thermometry (ITT), which measures the flow of heat from the surface of tympanic membranes and ear canal, is increasingly used in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of measuring body temperature by infrared tympanic thermometry in comparison to oral mercury thermometers method. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we measured body temperature (BT) of 124 patients (72 men and 52 women) admitted in infectious ward of Al-Zahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran, by using oral mercury thermometers and simultaneously by infrared tympanic thermometry from right and left ear canal. Finding: Mean infrared tympanic thermometry body temperature from right and left ear with and without cerumen had no significant statistical differences (P = 0.31 and P = 0.23 respectively). Mean oral mercury thermometers body temperature were 0.72 ± 0.59 and 0.93 ± 0.74 ºC less than infrared tympanic thermometry (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Sex, right and left ear and cerumen have no significant effect on infrared tympanic thermometry, but mean body temperature by using infrared tympanic thermometry method is lower than oral temperature. So, other bigger survey is recommended for determining the accuracy of this electronic body temperature measurement.

Keywords

• Body temperature
• Mercury thermometer
• Tympanic thermometer