Evaluation of Performance and Uncertainty of Infrared Tympanic Thermometers

Abstract

Infrared tympanic thermometers (ITTs) are easy to use and have a quick response time. They are widely used for temperature measurement of the human body. The accuracy and uncertainty of measurement is the importance performance indicator for these meters. The performance of two infrared tympanic thermometers, Braun THT-3020 and OMRON MC-510, were evaluated in this study. The cell of a temperature calibrator was modified to serve as the standard temperature of the blackbody. The errors of measurement for the two meters were reduced by the calibration equation. The predictive values could meet the requirements of the ASTM standard. The sources of uncertainty include the standard deviations of replication at fixed temperature or the predicted values of calibration equation, reference standard values and resolution. The uncertainty analysis shows that the uncertainty of calibration equation is the main source for combined uncertainty. Ambient temperature did not have the significant effects on the measured performance. The calibration equations could improve the accuracy of ITTs. However, these equations did not improve the uncertainty of ITTs.

Comparison of Body Temperature Between 5min and 10min Glass Mercury Thermometers in Under-5 Children in Axum Saint Mary Hospital, Central Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia

“…It was shown that temperature out of the normal range is closely related to the survival of infants. [6,7,10,11] Many decisions concerning the investigation and treatment of children may based on the results of temperature measurement alone. [12,13] As the basic sciences develop, temperature measurement methods and devices were improved.…”

“…For hundreds of years, both in clinics and home, GMT was the standard of human temperature measurements [14] and currently developing countries are used it commonly, [15] though no longer recommended. [11,13,16,17,18,19] Although accuracy of axillary temperature measurement is affected by a number of factors, including ambient temperature, local blood flows, inappropriate placing of the probe and closure of the axillary cavity, device dwell time and device type are common which can led to false high readings which may lead to expensive and painful diagnostic studies and medical interventions or false low readings which may lead to greater morbidity and mortality. So that temperature measurement must be accurate and consistent, as decisions about therapeutic intervention is based upon it.…”

“…Although the use of digital thermometer is gradually increasing, MGT is still most common device used in the pediatric setting, especially in developing countries [15] in spite of having long dwelling time, danger of breakage, potential harm and toxic vapor effects; difficulties in reading, and possible role in spread of hospital acquired infections. [11,13,16,17,18,19,26] There is confusion about the proper length of time for waiting periods of MGT in axillary site. [27] Some studies highly recommend axillary MGT should wait 10Min rather than 5Min, which may be impractical, but other studies vice versa.…”

Metrology in health: a pilot study

“…As regards specific diseases, some authors highlighted the key role of metrological traceability of sphygmomanometers as a tool for reducing health care costs and improving patient's care [13], [14], [15]. Likewise, other researchers pointed out the traceability of clinical temperature's measurement devices, such as thermometers [16], [17], [18]. In what concerns the evaluation of some ophthalmic diseases, the clinical metrology of tonometers' utilization has also been under metrological research [19], [20], [21].…”

Evaluation of the role of metrological traceability in health care: a comparison study by statistical approach

“…Some authors highlighted the key role of metrological traceability of sphygmomanometers as a tool for reducing healthcare costs and improving patient's care [13][14][15]. Similarly, other researchers pointed out the need for traceability in clinical temperature results [16][17][18]. With respect to ophthalmic diseases, the evaluation of metrological concerns related to tonometers is under investigation [19][20][21].…”