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The case of the cold thermometers
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The case of the cold thermometers

Belinda Ostrowsky, Janis Ober, Richard Wenzel and Michael Edmond
American journal of infection control, Vol.31(1), pp.57-59
02/2003
DOI: 10.1067/mic.2003.10
PMID: 12548260

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Abstract

A temporal artery thermometer was introduced at our hospital. Immediately staff noted subnormal temperature readings. Three serial evaluations of patient temperatures were done: August 2000 (initial), September 2000 (posteducation), and December 2000 (after removal of temporal artery thermometer). In the initial review, 89% of the readings were < 98.6 degrees F. Comparison of the readings from the last and first surveys showed a statistical increase in the proportion of readings > or =100.0 degrees F and decrease of readings <98.6 degrees F (P <.001). Our experience underscores the importance of performance data for quality monitoring of new products.
Thermometers - standards Temporal Arteries - physiology Body Temperature - physiology Humans Equipment Failure Analysis Quality Control

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