Accuracy of different temperature devices in the postpartum population.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if different temperature monitoring devices routinely used in postpartum mothers and newborns provide similar temperatures and to compare the rectal and axillary routes for temperature monitoring in newborns.

DESIGN

A method comparison design with randomization of the temperature device sequence was used to evaluate the level of agreement between the 3 different types of thermometers used.

SETTING

A Level 3 (high risk) postpartum unit with 6,200 deliveries per year in a 450-bed, not-for-profit hospital in the Pacific Northwest.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 36 mothers and 36 newborns were studied during a 96 hours postpartum period.

METHOD

Comparison of 3 different temperature devices (2 different electronic temperatures devices and a disposable temperature device) in mothers and newborns; comparison of different routes for temperature measurement in newborns (rectal, axillary).

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found between the rectal and axillary temperatures obtained with the same electronic temperature device in newborns. In mothers, there was a statistically significant difference in oral temperatures obtained with the disposable temperature device and 1 of the electronic thermometers.

CONCLUSIONS

The statistically significant temperature differences between the axillary and rectal routes in newborns using the same temperature device emphasize that axillary temperatures are not similar to rectal temperatures in newborns.