Non-contact infrared thermometers

Gervase Vernon

doi:10.3399/bjgp14X682669

Intended for Healthcare Professionals

I wrote a letter to the BMJ last year setting out the evidence for non-contact infrared thermometry in adults.¹ Unlike paediatric use,² my conclusion was that these devices are not reliable in adults, largely because vasoconstriction of the blood supply to their foreheads and perspiration leading to a dangerously high false negative rate. A similar conclusion has been reached by the Scottish Health Technology Group, advising against their use for adults in Scottish NHS hospitals.³

REFERENCES

1.↵
1. Vernon G
(2013) Inaccuracy of forehead thermometers (letter). BMJ 346:f1747.
OpenUrl FREE Full Text
2.↵
1. Wang K,
2. Gill P,
3. Wolstenholme J,
4. et al.
(2014) Non-contact infrared thermometers for measuring temperature in children: primary care diagnostic technology update. Br J Gen Pract doi:10.3399/bjgp14X682045.
OpenUrl FREE Full Text
3.↵
1. Marsden A
(2013) Re: Inaccuracy of forehead thermometers (electronic letter). BMJ 346:f1747/rr/645652.