Non-contact infrared thermometers for measuring temperature in children: primary care diagnostic technology update.

e681 British Journal of General Practice, October 2014 BACKGROUND AND ADVANTAGES OVER EXISTING TECHNOLOGY Temperature is an important vital sign for assessing acutely unwell children, and is measured frequently in primary care. However, measuring temperature accurately can be challenging. Oral and rectal thermometers are invasive and poorly tolerated, while axillary thermometers require parents or healthcare professionals to undress the child and hold the thermometer in the axilla for 30 seconds or longer. Infrared tympanic thermometers are easier to use, but can be inaccurate due to ear wax or insufficient straightening of the ear canal. Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) are designed to measure temperature rapidly and noninvasively with negligible cross-infection risk. This update compares the accuracy and utility of NCITs with conventional thermometers in children.