temporal themometers

nursepenny · Apr 5, 2004

I haven't heard of them, yet. But I would think you would only be getting a skin temp and not a core temp. I don't like tempanic temps either because I don't feel they are accurate. Oral or rectal is the way I trust. Rectal is most accurate.

talaxandra · Apr 6, 2004

I read a Best Practice review last week which said that tympanic themometers are accurate (to within 0.2 degrees Celsius), even with the presence of some ear wax, provided you tug ont he earlobe as you insert the probe.

2ndCareerRN · Apr 6, 2004

I have used the temporal thermometers at a facility I worked at. They are easy to use, accurate, and quick. Basically scan across half the forehead, down in front of the ear and stop behind the earlobe.

But, I am stubborn, if a kid has a temp over 102, it still gets the red tip. Not very many rectal temps differed more than a couple of points from the tympanic.

bob

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2004

We trialed one but management opted not to use it. They said it wasn't accurate, although my understanding had been that the temporal thermometers were supposed to be the most accurate. We currently use tympanics (but they are taking them away) and oral thermometers.

athomas91 · Apr 6, 2004

read a Best Practice review last week which said that tympanic themometers are accurate (to within 0.2 degrees Celsius), even with the presence of some ear wax, provided you tug ont he earlobe as you insert the probe.

they ARE accurate ...but only IF they are directed at the typanic membrane correctly....and there is no way to adequately gauge if you are or not....i'd rather be safe than sorry.

oramar · Apr 6, 2004

If they have rejected the temporal thermometers and are taking away the orals and tympanic, what is left?