Protocol - Body Temperature - Tympanic Thermometers
Description
This protocol provides a description for obtaining body temperature by tympanic (i.e. ear) thermometers.
Specific Instructions
The Sickle Cell Disease Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Renal Working Group recommends body temperature be obtained by either oral or tympanic (i.e. ear) measurements, and that once selected, the same body site be used over the course of a study. To aid comparability and accuracy, the Working Group also recommends the investigator record the make and manufacturer of the thermometer, and follow their guidelines regarding thermometer use, calibration, storage, and maintenance.
Availability
Protocol
The following is a summary description for obtaining body temperature by tympanic (i.e. ear) measurement.
Tympanic Body Temperature:
• There are many different types of ear thermometers that are appropriate for this protocol. Investigators should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for calibration and measurement.
• To decrease the likelihood of obtaining a falsely low reading, visually check the thermometer for dirt or damage before and after each use.
• If using alcohol wipes or wet cloths to clean the probe tip, exercise caution as these items can have a cooling effect.
• Place the thermometer probe into the ear canal according to the manufacturer guidelines.
• Read the thermometer and record the temperature.
Normal Body Temperature:
| Method | Degrees Fahrenheit | Degrees Celsius |
| Tympanic | 96.1 to 99.3 | 35.6 to 37.40 |
Personnel and Training Required
Health care professionals trained in the operation of the selected thermometer.
Equipment Needs
Tympanic thermometer
Requirements
| Requirement Category | Required |
|---|---|
| Major equipment | No |
| Specialized training | No |
| Specialized requirements for biospecimen collection | No |
| Average time of greater than 15 minutes in an unaffected individual | No |
Mode of Administration
Physical Measurement
Lifestage
Infant, Toddler, Child, Adolescent, Adult, Senior, Pregnancy
Participants
All ages
Selection Rationale
The Sickle Cell Disease Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Renal Working Group selected an overall description of obtaining body temperature as the protocol because there are multiple body sites which are routinely used in clinical and research practices to obtain temperature. The selected description is comprehensive and provides details on how to use various thermometers, factors which affect accuracy, and the importance of user training.
Language
English
Standards
| Standard | Name | ID | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| caDSR Form | PhenX PX810101 - Body Temperature Tympanic Thermometers | 6251725 | caDSR Form |
Derived Variables
None
Process and Review
Not applicable.
Protocol Name from Source
Davie, A., et al. Best practice in the measureement of body temperature. NURS STAND, 2010
Source
Davie, A., and Amoore, J. (2010). Best practice in the measurement of body temperature. Nursing Standard. 24, 42, 42-49.
General References
McCallum, L., and Higgins, D. (2012). Measuring body temperature. Nursing Times; 108: 45, 20-22.
Knies, R.C. Section Editor. Temperature Measurement in Acute Care: The Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How? Research Applied to Clinical Practice. Emergency Nursing World enw.org/Research-Thermometry.htm
Protocol ID
810101
Variables
Export Variables| Variable Name | Variable ID | Variable Description | dbGaP Mapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PX810101_SCD_BodyTemperatureTympanic_Alcohol_Wiptes | ||||
| PX810101030000 | If alcohol or wet wipes were used to clean more | N/A | ||
| PX810101_SCD_BodyTemperatureTympanic_Calibration | ||||
| PX810101010000 | Was the thermometer calibrated and used more | N/A | ||
| PX810101_SCD_BodyTemperatureTympanic_EarCanal | ||||
| PX810101040000 | Was the thermometer probe placed into the more | N/A | ||
| PX810101_SCD_BodyTemperatureTympanic_Inspection | ||||
| PX810101020000 | Was the thermometer inspected for dirt or more | N/A | ||
| PX810101_SCD_BodyTemperatureTympanic_Reading | ||||
| PX810101050000 | What is the reading from the thermometer in more | N/A | ||
Measure Name
Body Temperature
Release Date
July 30, 2015
Definition
A measurement of the heat in an individual’s body, which is reported in either degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Purpose
Body temperature is associated with the presence or absence of various illnesses and infections and having an abnormal temperature can be an indication for additional medical testing.
Keywords
Body temperature, fever, hyperthermia, clinical thermometry, thermometer, vital signs, infection, sickle cell disease, SCD, "Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Renal"
Measure Protocols
| Protocol ID | Protocol Name |
|---|---|
| 810101 | Body Temperature - Tympanic Thermometers |
| 810102 | Body Temperature - Oral Thermometers |
Publications
There are no publications listed for this protocol.