Temporal Artery Thermometry is Accurate for Preterm Neonates

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic, Neonatal #Nursing shows that the Exergen Temporal Artery Temperature measurements (Temporal Artery Thermometry) are as #accurate as axillary temperature measurements in low-birth-weight neonates in the NICU.

Babies Exhibit Less Fussiness and Crying with the TAT

A study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, Neonatal Nursing 1 shows that Exergen temporal artery temperature measurements (Temporal Artery Thermometry) are as accurate as axillary temperature measurements in low-birth-weight neonates in the NICU. The study further affirms that nurses spent less time measuring with temporal thermometers than with the axillary method, and that the infants’ prognosis benefited from a decrease in noxious stimuli. The study was conducted across a Level III NICU in the Central/Southeastern United States with Temporal Artery Thermometry.

Sixty-eight neonates born between 28 weeks and 36 weeks postmenstrual age cared for in incubators or open cribs were randomly assigned to temperature measurements (axillary followed by temporal artery). These were taken once during the day shift and once during the night shift. Behavioral states of the infants assessed before, during and after temperature measurement were used in the study.

Temporal Scanner

Each nurse in the study was trained on the use of the TemporalScanner forehead thermometer through an educational video provided by Exergen, which is important to instructing the end user about the product, and in this case, acclimating the thermometer and Temporal Artery Thermometry to the neonate’s individual environment before measurement.

The study findings led to a practice change in the NICU, adopting temporal artery thermometry for routine use, after nurses reported higher satisfaction with the TemporalScanner, especially among neonates.

“These study results confirm the importance of a gentle non-invasive thermometry method in the care of highly vulnerable preterm infants. Other thermometry methods disturb the baby. This  can lead to poorer prognoses for a healthy start to life.” said Francesco Pompei, Ph.D., CEO of Exergen Corporation. “Temperature measurement in neonates should be quick, gentle, and non-invasive.

Exergen Temporal Scanner

The Exergen TemporalScanner’s accuracy is backed by more than 70-peer reviewed published clinical studies. It focuses on the temporal artery. This sets it apart from other temperature measurement thermometers. It provides a more comfortable and accurate choice over other temperature methods.”