Can a non-contact infrared thermometer be used interchangeably with other thermometers in an adult Emergency Department?

Introduction: Thermofocus (R) (Tecnimed, Italy) is a non-contact thermometer licensed for use in babies and adults. Accuracy of this instrument in adults is uncertain. Objective: To perform a pilot study to assess the reliability and validity of Thermofocus (R) in an adult Emergency Department (ED) population. Methods: Temperatures were measured on a convenience sample of ED and ICU patients. In the ED group, paired Thermofocus (R) readings and a single SureTemp (R) ( Welch Allyn, USA) oral temperature reading were taken a minute apart. In the ICU group, paired Thermofocus (R) readings and a single Mon-a-therm Foley-Temp (R) catheter (Tyco Healthcare, USA) reading were taken a minute apart. Reliability and validity of Thermofocus (R) measurements were assessed. Results: Seventy-four SureTemp (R) readings in ED ranged from 35.4 to 37.8 degrees C (mean 36.6 degrees C, S.D. 0.5 degrees C). Nineteen Mon-a-therm Foley-Temp (R) readings in ICU ranged from 35.0 to 39.5 degrees C (mean 37.7 degrees C, S.D. 0.3 degrees C). The mean difference between paired Thermofocus (R) readings was 0.00 degrees C (S. D. 0.15 degrees C) with limits of agreement between - 0.30 and + 0.30 degrees C. Thermofocus (R) read 0.87 degrees C (S. D. 0.58 degrees C) and 1.17 degrees C (S. D. 0.67 degrees C) lower than SureTemp (R) and Mon-a-therm Foley-Temp (R) catheter, respectively. Conclusion: Thermofocus (R) measurements were reliable. The study showed poor agreement (i.e. low validity) between temperatures measured by Thermofocus (R) when compared to the other thermometers in use currently at our institution. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of College of Emergency Nursing Australasia Ltd.