Accuracy of The Axillary Temperature Screening Compared to Core Rectal Temperature.

Abstract Purpose: To compare the sensitivity of axillary and rectal temperature in infants who presents to the emergency department with a recent history of fever in order to implement an early diagnostic modality to reduce risk of sepsis, urgency in antibiotic administration and decrease the need for delayed hospital admission. Methods: A single-centre cross-sectional comparative study of 201 patients who presents with a recent history of fever. Infants Up to 12 months of age were included. Any patient with the following comorbidities were excluded: (1) Haematological malignancy (2) immunocompromised (3) hyperthyroidism (4) recent administration of antipyretics medications and (5) congenital anal or rectal malformation. Demographic characteristics such as age and gender, weight, mean axillary and rectal temperatures were documented. Fever is defined as rectal temperature > 38 C as opposed to >37.4 in the axillary method. Pearson’s correlation between axillary and rectal temperatures was determined. Results: The mean age was 6.1 ± 3.5 months. The study had 111 (55.2%) males and 90 (44.8%) females. The mean weight was 7.4 Kg ± 2.1 Kg. The mean (SD) rectal-axillary temperature difference was 0.8 °C ± 0.7 °C which was statistically significant (P 37.4 were 79.34% (95% CI [73-84.9]), 14.3% (95% CI [0.36-57.9]), 96.2% (95% CI [95-97.2]) and 2.4% (95% CI [0.4-13.5]), respectively. Conclusion: the axillary temperature measurement method is not as accurate as the rectal temperature method for the detection of fever in infants with a recent history of fever. The rectal method remains highly important for accurate and prompt diagnosis.