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Physicians' Reference Handbook on Temperature, Part 1

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• Asthma/Allergies
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• Thermometry
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This startling observation (Chapter1.1) is the essential motivation for our writing this Physicians Reference Handbook on Temperature. As reported recently by Pinner et al,1 infection as a contributor to mortality is implicated in over 1,000,000 deaths per year; as a direct cause of mortality, infectious disease ranks third behind cardiovascular disease and cancer; and alarmingly, infectious disease mortality is increasing dramatically in the United States. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that 20,000 deaths per year occur from hospital-acquired infections2. Temperature as a vital sign is nearly universally the first indication of infection, and its assessment the first line of defense.

By introducing new methods of assessment by infrared thermometry in a well supported scientific style, we hope to show that significant improvements in patient outcome can be accomplished, while also reducing the cost of patient care. These methods have been proven in many of the most prestigious institutions in the world, and have been universally accepted by physicians who have taken the time to investigate for themselves.

Unfortunately, there has been much confusion in the field of clinical infrared thermometry for a number of years due to marketing interests to both professional and consumer users taking precedence over thorough scientific and clinical work. As a result, "tympanic" thermometry has developed a deservedly low reputation due to poorly performing devices being marketed:fevers simply were not being detected reliably. Where used, these commonly available devices are relegated to novelty status, not to be taken seriously by physicians.

The methods presented in this handbook and their instrumentality, are not the same as the commonly available devices. One of the principle objectives in writing the Handbook is to reverse the negative image and rebuild the foundation for the infrared method; which, when performed correctly, remains a compellingly attractive means of assessing patient temperature. To do so, we have introduced the concept of arterial temperature via heat balance at the ear (AHBE), a new and very powerful measurement modality.