[Measuring skin temperature in premature infants. Comparison of infrared telethermography and electric contact thermometry].

In a group of 6 premature infants, mean weight 1776 g, we measured skin surface temperatures, comparing infrared telethermography (San-ei Thermo-Tracer 6T62) and conventional skin thermometry (Eidatherm). Surface temperatures were measured at 10 different sites, with the infants nursed in an incubator. The same methods were used to compare temperatures on the lower arm of an adult. The results of the two different techniques showed only minor differences of approximately 0,2 degrees C. These discrepancies could be explained by problems of either method. They could also be attributed to the fact, that the emissivity of human skin is not exactly identical with the emissivity of a perfect black body. In clinical practice, infrared thermography and conductive thermometry can be used for determinations of body surface temperature of premature infants, also under the condition of high temperatures and high humidity within an incubator.