Axillary temperature measurements based on smart wearable thermometers in South Korean children: comparison with tympanic temperature measurements

PURPOSE: This study explored the validity of a new type of thermometer and parent satisfaction with the new device. This 24-hour continuous monitoring smart wearable wireless thermometer (TempTraq(®)) uses a very small semiconductor sensor with a thin patch-like shape. METHODS: We obtained 397 sets of TempTraq(®) axillary temperatures and tympanic temperatures from 44 pediatric patients. Agreement between the axillary and tympanic measurements, as well as the validity of the TempTraq(®) axillary temperatures, were evaluated. Satisfaction surveys were completed by 41 caregivers after the measurements. RESULTS: The TempTraq(®) axillary temperatures demonstrated a strong positive correlation with the tympanic temperatures. The Bland-Altman plot and analysis of TempTraq(®) axillary temperatures and tympanic temperatures showed that the mean difference was +0.45 ℃, the 95% limits of agreement were -0.57 to +1.46 ℃. Based on a tympanic temperature of 38 ℃, the results of validity of fever detection were sensitivity 0.85 and specificity 0.86. Satisfaction scores for TempTraq(®) temperature measurement were all > 4 points (satisfactory). CONCLUSION: TempTraq(®) smart axillary temperature measurement is an appropriate method for measuring children's temperatures since it was highly correlated to tympanic temperatures, had a reliable level of sensitivity and specificity, and could be used safely and conveniently.