Accuracy of Infrared Forehead Skin Thermometry in Newborns - A Comparison with Digital Axillary and Rectal Mercury Thermometers

Temperature is an important vital sign especially in neonates. Providing thermal comfort to baby is part of essential newborn care. The ideal temperature measurement method should be accurate, safe, noninvasive, time efficient, easy to operate and non-disturbing to baby. Mercury thermometers have been banned; rectal measurements are hazardous. Digital axillary thermometers although widely accepted, also have their limitations and sometimes produce questionable results in newborn. Infrared forehead thermometry is a promising tool with controversial results; hence this newer technology needs to be repeatedly tested and validated.