Neonatal axillary temperature measurements: a comparison of electronic thermometer predictive and monitor modes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether predictive mode axillary temperature measurement is accurate in full-term newborns.


METHODS
Prospective, descriptive, comparative study.


METHODS
An acute-care community hospital in western Canada.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 72 healthy full-term newborns.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Fallis
W M
WM
Department of Research and Evaluation, Victoria General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Christiani
P
P
D001365:Axilla; D001831:Body Temperature; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013821:Thermometers / Q000592:standards*; D013997:Time Factors