Kitsomart, RatchadaPhatthanasiriwetin, Sopida2012-02-142012-02-142005-05Kitsomart Ratchada, Phatthanasiriwetin Sopida. Accuracy and precision of digital thermometer in neonatal temperature measurement. Siriraj Medical Journal, 2005 May; 57(5): 128-131.http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/137014Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and precision of digital thermometer for axillary ad rectal thermometry in neonates. Study design: A prospective study was conducted. One hundred infants, 0 to 28 days old, weighing 860 to 3,750 gm with a gestational age of 26 to 43 weeks were measured by a gold standard mercury-in-glass thermometer and then a digital thermometer for axillary and rectal temperatures, respectively. The accuracy was analyzed by the accepted difference between mercury-in-glass versus digital thermometer of 0.1oC and 0.2oC. Results: For rectal thermometry, accuracy of +0.1oC and +0.2oC was 68% (95% CI = 58.3%, 76.3%) and 87% (95% CI = 79%, 92.2%), respectively. For axillary thermometry, accuracy was 64% (95% CI = 54.2%, 72.7%) and 78% (95% CI = 68.9%, 85%) for +0.1oC and +0.2oC, respectively. The precision of the digital thermometer was 86% (95% CI = 77.9%, 91.5%) and 75% (95% CI = 65.7%, 82.5%) for rectal and axillary digital thermometry, respectively. Conclusion: The digital thermometer could be used instead of the mercury-in-glass thermometer in relatively healthy neonates who could accept a wider range of temperature fluctuation within +0.2oC. But for sick or critical neonates, the mercury-in-glass thermometer is still the recommended thermometer.enNeonatesTemperature measurementDigital thermometerArticle