Tympanic thermometry in Nigerian children

Author: Akinyinka O. O.  

Publisher: Routledge Ltd

ISSN: 1465-3281

Source: Annals of Tropical Paediatrics, Vol.21, Iss.2, 2001-06, pp. : 169-174

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Abstract

Rectal and aural temperatures were recorded at the same time in 378 children aged le 60 months and were found to be similar across the various age groups, correlation coefficients (r</i>) ranging from 0.61 to 0.91. The mean differences between rectal and aural temperatures varied between -0.06 and 0.25°C. Concordance between the two methods ranged from 88.9% to 98% across the temperature range. Tympanic thermometry is simpler, safer and quicker than rectal thermometry and these findings justify the use of aural thermometry in any busy clinical facility for children.