Original Title: Validité des thermomètres pour la mesure de la température périphérique

Authors' objectives: Fever is a transient medical condition associated with the early progression of several diseases. Core body temperature is the gold standard and can be measured in the bladder, pulmonary artery, esophagus, or rectum. Due to the constraints related to the use of these methods, routine temperature measurement in hospitals is usually carried out at peripheral sites, with or without contact. The Nursing Directorate at the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute – Laval University (Institute) requested the Health Technology Assessment Unit (HTAU) determine which types of peripheral thermometers can most accurately estimate core body temperature.

Authors' results and conclusions: Analysis of all the evidence suggests that peripheral thermometers were associated with low sensitivity for detecting mild fever in hospitalized patients. The results of the primary studies included a substantial level of heterogeneity. In an intensive care setting, tympanic and oral thermometers could allow the accurate estimation of core temperature for hospitalized patients in a febrile state. However, this evidence was based on few studies. Peripheral temperature measurement and fever diagnosis may also vary depending on factors external to the measurement site and the technology used, such as race, comorbidities, body mass index, age, and period of the day.

Authors' recommendations: Due to these limitations, measurement of the core body temperature is recommended when an accurate temperature reading may influence the diagnosis and subsequent management. In situations where core temperature measurement is not possible, or impractical, peripheral temperature measurement using a tympanic, oral, or temporal thermometer is recommended. The choice of the preferred technology(ies) for peripheral temperature measurement should also be based on evidence and take into account medical device reprocessing needs. The organizational capacity to comply with manufacturers’ recommendations, particularly with respect to the calibration of devices as well as the reprocessing methods and products to be used, should also be considered. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is suggested to reserve reusable equipment for a user’s exclusive use or to promote the use of single-use equipment. In order to support nurses in choosing the most appropriate temperature measurement site, it is also desirable to develop clinical criteria related to the circumstances in which core measurement should be preferred. It is also recommended that health care providers specify the method of temperature measurement on the vital signs measurement document.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.iucpq.ca/a-propos-de-nous/excellence/evaluation-des-technologies-et-modes-dintervention-en-sante/

Year Published: 2021

URL for published report: https://www.iucpq.ca/app/uploads/2024/06/rap_thermometres_10-29_vf.pdf

Requestor: Nursing Directorates

English language abstract: There is no English language summary available

Publication Type: Rapid Review

Country: Canada

Province: Quebec

Organisation Name: Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec – Université Laval (IUCPQ-ULaval)

Contact Address: 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy Québec QC G1V 4G5

Contact Name: uetmis.iucpq@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Contact Email: uetmis.iucpq@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Copyright: Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval