Infrared ear thermometers, also known as tympanic thermometers, may be imprecise when it comes to measuring the temperatures of young children. These types of thermometers are inserted into the ear to measure the heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissue. A temperature reading then appears on the device's screen.
Researchers reviewed over 30 comparisons of ear and rectal temperature measurements involving more than 4,400 babies and young children. Researchers did note that it's very hard to make an accurate measurement of core temperature, no matter what method is used.
The Lancet August 24, 2002;360:584, 603-609
If you haven't read the articles below and you care for small children, you would serve them well be reviewing them. Most parents don't understand that it’s not necessary to treat nearly all fevers.
The above study further complicated the problem as people are using inaccurate information a great number of times if they are using ear thermometers.
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