Comparison of Electronic and Glass Thermometers: Length of Time of Insertion and Type of Breathing

Abstract

In current clinical practice, nurses assess oral temperatures with either a glass or an electronic thermometer. The research literature recommends optimum placement times at the sublingual site of 7-9 minutes (Boylan & Brown, 1985; Campbell, 1983; Clarke, 1979; Ketefian, 1975; Nichols & Kucha, 1972). Optimum placement time has been defined as the time required for 90% of the subjects' thermometers to reach maximum temperatures (highest readings) minus 0.2°F (0.1°C). In actual clinical practice, the length of time of insertion is frequently a function of the time available and the number of nursing actions required. The length of time of actual insertion of a glass thermometer has been reported to vary from 30 seconds to ten minutes. The electronic thermometer requires only seconds. With the heavy demands on nursing personnel and the current staff shortages, this time-saving feature of electronic thermometers is a major advantage. However, there has been concern over the cost distribution and number of units required per ward. The list price for hospital purchase in Canada in 1989 was $850 for electronic thermometers and $0.66 for glass thermometers.