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Dante A, Gaxhja E, Masotta V, La Cerra C, Caponnetto V, Petrucci C, Lancia L. Evaluating the interchangeability of infrared and digital devices with the traditional mercury thermometer in hospitalized pediatric patients: an observational study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17014. [PMID: 34426635 PMCID: PMC8382823 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96587-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gradual replacement of the mercury thermometers with alternative devices is ongoing around the world in a bid to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. However, to reduce the risks of misdiagnosis, unnecessary treatments, and omission of care in pediatric populations, more evidence on the reliability of alternative thermometers is needed. The aim of this comparative observational study was to detect any differences in temperature measurements between the use of the axillary mercury thermometer and the alternative techniques. Temperature values in degree Celsius (°C) were measured in a group of Albanian children aged up to 14 years using mercury and digital axillary thermometers, as well as forehead and tympanic infrared thermometers. The digital axillary device, compared with the mercury one, showed no clinically significant difference in the mean values (− 0.04 ± 0.29 °C) and the narrowest 95% level of agreement (+ 0.53 °C to − 0.62 °C) in the paired comparisons. For cut-off point of 37.5 °C, the digital axillary thermometer showed the highest levels of sensitivity (72.5%) and specificity (99.1%) in detecting fever. This study indicates that the digital axillary thermometer may be the better option since it adequately balances accuracy, safety, and children’s comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Dante
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Rita Levi Montalcini Building - G. Petrini Street, 67010, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Elona Gaxhja
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Rita Levi Montalcini Building - G. Petrini Street, 67010, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vittorio Masotta
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Rita Levi Montalcini Building - G. Petrini Street, 67010, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Carmen La Cerra
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Rita Levi Montalcini Building - G. Petrini Street, 67010, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valeria Caponnetto
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Rita Levi Montalcini Building - G. Petrini Street, 67010, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Cristina Petrucci
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Rita Levi Montalcini Building - G. Petrini Street, 67010, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Loreto Lancia
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Rita Levi Montalcini Building - G. Petrini Street, 67010, L'Aquila, Italy
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Christian BJ. Translational Research - Focusing on Quality of Pediatric Nursing Care and Reducing Safety Risks for Children and Families. J Pediatr Nurs 2019; 46:118-120. [PMID: 31003738 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Becky J Christian
- School of Nursing, The University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States of America.
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