A Comparison of Rectal, Axillary, and Skin-to-Mattress Temperatures in Neonates

Lee, Kyung Hee; Seo, Hyun Ji; Park, Kyung Pil; Cho, Min Hyun; Kim, Heng Mi

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to evaluate the comparability and accuracy of body temperatures measured at three different sites: rectum, axilla and between skin and mattress in the newborn infants. METHODS: 168 term and preterm infants admitted to NICU at Kyungpook University Hospital were enrolled in the study. Glass and digital thermometers were used for the simultaneous measurement of rectal, axilla and skin-to-mattress temperatures. RESULTS: Among three different body temperatures measured by glass thermometer, the rectal temperatures recorded the highest in the bassinet, while no differences were found in the incubator. Rectal temperature by glass thermometer agreed most closely with axillary temperature by digital thermometer. The digital thermometers took significantly less time to measure temperatures from rectum and axilla than glass thermometer. Phototherapy did not influence body temperature measured in the incubator. CONCLUSION: In the bassinet, axilla temperature measured by a digital thermometer was as reliable as rectal temperature measured by a glass thermometer. Skin-to-mattress temperature provides an accurate, safe and easily accessible alternative site while infants are in the incubator.