Table 1 Comparison of results of temperatures measured by parents using a tympanic thermometer designed for home use, a nurse using the same thermometer, and the same nurse using a tympanic thermometer designed for hospital use
From: Accuracy of parents in measuring body temperature with a tympanic thermometer
Mean absolute difference (°C) | Range of absolute differences (°C) | % of time where absolute difference ≥ 0.5 °C | |
|---|---|---|---|
Parent versus nurse using home tympanic thermometer All children n = 60 | 0.44 ± 0.61 | 0.0 – 3.1 | 33% |
Parent versus nurse using home tympanic thermometer Afebrile children n = 43 | 0.44 ± 0.65 | 0.0–3.1 | 35% |
Parent versus nurse using home tympanic thermometer Febrile children n = 17 | 0.45 ± 0.51 | 0.10 – 1.9 | 29% |
Nurse using home thermometer versus same nurse using hospital thermometer n = 60 | 0.24 ± 0.22 | 0.0 – 1.0 | 13% |
Parent using home thermometer versus nurse using hospital thermometer N = 60 | 0.51± 0.63 | 0.0 – 3.4 | 72% |