D K Ng1, Y S Liu, J C Ho. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, 25 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reproducibility of Thermoscan, an infrared emission detection ear thermometer, and to establish the normal reference range of ear temperature in Chinese neonates. METHODS: Neonates were recruited from the inpatients population with exclusion of those suffering from infections. RESULTS: Forty-nine neonates were recruited with 1,115 temperature taking sessions. Mean left ear temperature was 36.64 degrees C +/- 0.35 degree C. Mean right ear temperature was 36.64 degrees C +/- 0.37 degree C. Clinical repeatability for left and right ear was 0.17 degree C and 0.17 degree C, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thermoscan produced reproducible results in Chinese neonates. The normal range of ear temperature for Chinese neonates is 35 degrees C to 37 degrees C. Ear temperature > 37.8 degrees C should be regarded as fever.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reproducibility of Thermoscan, an infrared emission detection ear thermometer, and to establish the normal reference range of ear temperature in Chinese neonates. METHODS: Neonates were recruited from the inpatients population with exclusion of those suffering from infections. RESULTS: Forty-nine neonates were recruited with 1,115 temperature taking sessions. Mean left ear temperature was 36.64 degrees C +/- 0.35 degree C. Mean right ear temperature was 36.64 degrees C +/- 0.37 degree C. Clinical repeatability for left and right ear was 0.17 degree C and 0.17 degree C, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thermoscan produced reproducible results in Chinese neonates. The normal range of ear temperature for Chinese neonates is 35 degrees C to 37 degrees C. Ear temperature > 37.8 degrees C should be regarded as fever.