Comparison of three methods of body temperature measurement by, glass-mercury thermometry, tympanic and cutaneous: which one is an appropriate tool?

Introduction:The aim of the present study was to compare the body temperature measurement by three methods, glass-mercury thermometry, tympanic and cutaneous.Material and Methods:274 pediatric patients participated in the study. Body temperature was measured by three methods, glass-mercury thermometry, tympanic and cutaneous by three individuals separately. The results were compared with each other.Results:274 children aged 1 month to 12 years were studied. The mean temperatures by glass-mercury thermometry, tympanic and cutaneous were 36.9, 36.5, and 37.1 0.8. There was a significant correlation between two methods (P<0.05).Conclusion:According to easy and rapid measurement, tympanic thermometer can be used in pediatric emergency situations. Also, cutaneous LCD thermometer can be used by parents at home.