The case of the cold thermometers.
BACKGROUND
A temporal artery thermometer was introduced at our hospital. Immediately staff noted subnormal temperature readings.


METHODS
Three serial evaluations of patient temperatures were done: August 2000 (initial), September 2000 (posteducation), and December 2000 (after removal of temporal artery thermometer).


RESULTS
In the initial review, 89% of the readings were < 98.6 degrees F. Comparison of the readings from the last and first surveys showed a statistical increase in the proportion of readings > or =100.0 degrees F and decrease of readings <98.6 degrees F (P <.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience underscores the importance of performance data for quality monitoring of new products.
Ostrowsky
Belinda
B
Westchester County Department of Health, New Rochelle, New York 10801, USA.
Ober
Janis
J
Wenzel
Richard
R
Edmond
Michael
M
D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D011786:Quality Control; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000502:physiology*; D013821:Thermometers / Q000592:standards*