Normal tympanic temperature measured with the infrared tympanic thermometer (Quick Thermo)

Abstract

To obtain the reference of the tympanic temperature measured with an infrared thermometer (Quick Thermo, Omron), 107 healthy adults were studied. The average tympanic temperature measured with Quick Thermo was 36.88±0.46°C (SD), identical to the oral temperature and was 0.2°C higher than the axillary temperature. The cut-off value of 37.3°C in tympanic temperature, which corresponds to the common cut-off temperature for fever of 37°C in axillary temperature, is practically recommended. If the body temperature is measured with an infrared thermometer after comprehending its peculiar reference, the body temperature is correctly evaluated. The larger variation in the tympanic temperature measured with Quick Thermo than that in the oral or axillary temperature indicates the poor reliability of the infrared thermometer than the mercury-in-glass thermometer. About 5% of the normal population is not suitable for measurement of tympanic temperature with an infrared thermometer because of the hairs in the ear canal and narrow ear canal. Accurate measurement of tympanic temperature requires a skill by the examiner. The infrared thermometer is attractive, because of its safety and rapid reading. Further improvement of the infrared thermometer is expected for more accurate measurement with easier handling.