Precision and Accuracy of Intraoperative Temperature Monitoring

Abstract
He difference between TM temperature and the temperature at each of the other sites; precision was quantitated as the correlation between TM temperature and the temperature at each of the other sites. Results indicate that the accuracy of measurements made using the great toe, forehead, and axilla is less than the accuracy of measurements made using the nasopharynx, esophagus, bladder, and rectum. Precision of measurements made using the nasopharynx, esophagus, and bladder is greater than the precision at the axilla, forehead, and rectum, and much higher than the precision at the great toe. Measurements of body temperature using the nasopharynx, esophagus, and bladder are recommended for intraoperative use as providing the best combination of accuracy and precision. This study was supported in part by a grant from the Mon-atherm, Inc, St. Louis, Missouri. Reprint requests to Dr. Cork, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona, Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ 85724. Presented in part at the American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting, New Orleans, October 17–21, 1981. Accepted for publication September 16, 1982. © 1983 International Anesthesia Research Society...