Concordance of infrared non-contact thermometer aimed at the forehead versus digital thermometer via axilla method in the preterm and term infant on admission to the Townsville Neonatal unit

Aim: The aim of this paper was to try and establish if using a non-contact thermometer would be in agreement with the axilla method of temperature taking. Design: A comparative design used to evaluate level of agreement between Infrared (IR) non-contact thermometer and digital thermometer (via axilla) in term and preterm infants admitted to the neonatal unit. Method: A convenience sample of 150 infants were enrolled in the study, 62 term and 86 preterm. Temperature was taken on admission to the neonatal unit, using both methods. Excluding criteria included any infant with a poor prognosis. Conclusion: In this study limits of agreement with Axilla measurements were wider and it is therefore its use in the neonatal population cannot be recommended