Evaluation of Two Methods of Temperature Measurement in Children: Mercury-in-glass Thermometer (MIGT) versus Non-Touch Infrared Thermometer (NTIT) | Chapter 04 | New Horizons in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 8

 Background: Obtaining an accurate temperature reading is a key step in evaluating health or sickness, particularly in youngsters, especially those with fever and immunocompromised individuals. Inaccurate temperature measurement might result in incorrect diagnosis, treatment, or action. Furthermore, some countries have expressed concern about the continued use of mercury-in-glass thermometers, citing concerns that their disposal after use could contaminate soil and water, eventually ending up in human food or drink. As a result, a gradual shift to other temperature measurement methods is recommended. There are several ways for measuring temperature, and comparing them allows for the selection of a method that is close to optimal in terms of speed, safety, and accuracy.

In the Paediatric age range, this study attempted to compare the forehead non-touch infrared thermometer with the axillary mercury-in-glass technique of temperature assessment. This would aid in determining the risk of choosing one over the other.

Methods: As part of a broader investigation, the study received ethical approval. Over the course of six months, 437 children ages 1 to 24 months were studied at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital's well-baby/ vaccination clinic. The body temperatures were taken using both Non-Touch Infrared and conventional Mercury-in-Glass Thermometers. SPSS version 21 was used to analyse the data. The relationship between the two techniques of temperature measurement was determined using Pearson correlation, and the level of agreement was tested using the Bland-Altman method.

The average age was 5.81 months, with a standard deviation of 4.04 months. The Axillary Mercury-in-Glass and Forehead Non-Touch Infrared thermometry readings had a positive association (r=0.281, p0.001), according to Pearson correlation. Furthermore, the Bland-Altman approach demonstrated a high level of agreement between the two thermometry methods, with 96 percent of the values falling within the bounds of agreement. The mean difference was 0.09°C (with a 95% confidence interval of 0.05 to 0.13)°C.

Conclusion: The Axillary Mercury-in-Glass thermometer and the Forehead Non-Touch Infrared thermometer are quite similar and can be used interchangeably.

Author(S) Details

Yetunde Olasinde
Department of Paediatrics, BOWEN University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

Moninuola Ernest
Department of Dental Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Gbenga Popoola
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincolnshire, UK.

Ernest Kolade
Institute of Medical Research and Training, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

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