Neonatal axillary temperature measurements: a comparison of electronic thermometer predictive and monitor modes

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether predictive mode axillary temperature measurement is accurate in full-term newborns.

Design: Prospective, descriptive, comparative study.

Setting: An acute-care community hospital in western Canada.

Patients: A convenience sample of 72 healthy full-term newborns.

Main outcome measures: Predictive and monitor mode axillary temperatures were measured once for each participant. Monitor mode axillary temperature served as the reference. Predictive and monitor mode axillary temperatures were compared using paired t tests and correlation analysis (Pearson's r). The time for monitor mode stabilization also was determined.

Results: A statistically but not clinically significant difference (.08 degrees C) between mean predictive and monitor mode axillary temperatures as well as a positive correlation were noted. Mean stabilization time for monitor mode axillary temperature was 3 minutes.

Conclusion: The use of predictive mode temperature measurement at the axillary site in full-term healthy newborns is supported by this study. Although mean placement time for monitor mode temperature stabilization was 3 minutes, almost half of the sample did not achieve a stabilized temperature within this time. Further study is recommended in this area.