Temperature measurement in term and preterm neonates

Abstract

1.5 SD below or above the mean) would have been judged to be normothermic by each of the three other measurements. The temperatures in preterm infants were lower and varied less with the site of measurement, indicating a smaller core-surface temperature gradient because of their relative lack of thermal insulation by body fat. Axillary temperature was as reliable as rectal temperature measured in the usual way with a mercury-in-glass thermometer. Measurement of the temperature between the skin and matress was nearly as accurate as the other more frequently used methods. Ninety percent of temperatures were within 0.1·C of their final stabilization readings by 5 minutes for each type of thermometer and measurement site. © 1984 The C. V. Mosby Company.