Table 1

Comparison of results of temperatures measured by parents using a tympanic thermometer designed for home use, a nurse using the same thermometer, and the same nurse using a tympanic thermometer designed for hospital use


Mean absolute difference (°C)
Range of absolute differences (°C)
% of time where absolute difference ≥ 0.5 °C

Parent versus nurse using home tympanic thermometer
All children n = 60
0.44 ± 0.61
0.0 – 3.1
33%
Parent versus nurse using home tympanic thermometer
Afebrile children n = 43
0.44 ± 0.65
0.0–3.1
35%
Parent versus nurse using home tympanic thermometer
Febrile children n = 17
0.45 ± 0.51
0.10 – 1.9
29%
Nurse using home thermometer versus same nurse using hospital thermometer n = 60
0.24 ± 0.22
0.0 – 1.0
13%
Parent using home thermometer versus nurse using hospital thermometer N = 60
0.51± 0.63
0.0 – 3.4
72%

Robinson et al. BMC Family Practice 2005 6:3   doi:10.1186/1471-2296-6-3