In Vitro Determination of the Accuracy and Precision of an Infrared Tympanic Thermometer
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro accuracy and precision of two FirstTemp(R) Infrared Tympanic Thermometers (ITT) and the Diatek oral probe. The in vitro environment was an airtight, closed circuit, continuously circulating water bath. Bath temperature was monitored with a glass mercury thermometer traceable to the National Bureau of Standards. Accuracy was established by determining the residual differences between each device and the glass mercury thermometer, across a temperature range of 34.0 to 40.0. Scatter plots were analyzed to determine consistency and bias. The ITT lost accuracy outside a narrow temperature range of 35.5 to 38.5 C; the oral probe maintained accuracy and a consistent bias of + 0.2 C across the temperature range of 34.0 to 40.0 C. The ITT had a limited accurate clinical range of 35.5 to 38.5 C. The Diatek oral probe maintained accuracy across a wider clinical temperature range of 34.0 to 40.0 C.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA239346
Entities
People
- Kelly J. Scherbenske
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology