Continuous Core Body Temperature Estimation via SURFACE Temperature Measurements using Wearable Sensors - Is it Feasible?

Core body temperature is an important indicator of well being of humans. The commonly used methods and sites of measurement do not lend well for continuous measurement at home. However, continuous monitoring using non-invasive, small, low cost sensors could have many applications like detection of hypothermia and fever in low birth weight neonates in rural settings. We investigate the feasibility of making such measurements using only skin temperature sensors. Our initial sensor prototype is composed of flexible materials, with embedded high precision thermistors and is based on dual heat flux technique. Our initial experiments show that the reliable estimation of core temperature under varying ambient conditions and at different measurement sites is a challenge, but promising. Further work is needed to combine results from experimental measurements and theoretical simulations to provide good insights and enable accurate estimation of core body temperature for long term monitoring at home.