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Determining peripheral skin temperature: subjective versus objective measurements.
- Source :
-
Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) [Acta Paediatr] 2016 Mar; Vol. 105 (3), pp. e126-31. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Dec 23. - Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- Aim: Diseases that affect peripheral vasculature or neurological function can manifest with peripheral skin temperature abnormalities. This pilot study investigates the accuracy of current physical examination techniques and determines whether a hand-held infrared device can be used to estimate peripheral skin temperature and detect temperature disparities.<br />Methods: Comparison between traditional physical examination of hands/feet by 30 healthcare professionals and a hand-held infrared device was made in 12 individuals (ages 4-25 years; 5 with disorders affecting peripheral skin temperature). Thermal camera measurements served as the reference temperature for comparison.<br />Results: A total of 231 extremity examinations by healthcare professionals were analysed. Healthcare professionals correctly identified subjects with colder or warmer than normal peripheral temperature. Hand-held device measurements were significantly different than reference measurements, with the size of the temperature difference diverging significantly between hands (1.20°C) and feet (0.78°C). When analysing temperature disparities, healthcare professionals identified fewer clinically significant disparities (≥3.0°C) than the hand-held device (76% vs. 99%).<br />Conclusion: Although different from reference temperatures, the hand-held infrared device provided a more accurate and objective method than traditional physical exam in identifying peripheral skin temperature asymmetries that may be related to chronic paediatric illness.<br /> (©2015 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1651-2227
- Volume :
- 105
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 26607668
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.13283