Infrared Sensor Measurement of Neck Carotid Skin Temperature in the Emergency Department: A Safe Alternative to the Tympanic Method

The demand for rapid, non-contact, and reliable body temperature measurement in emergency departments is growing. Although tympanic thermometers are commonly used, limitations, including measurement errors and patient non-compliance, necessitate alternative methods. This study evaluated the clinical reliability of infrared sensors for measuring cervical carotid artery skin temperature, using the Braun ThermoScan 7 tympanic thermometer as a reference. In a prospective cross-sectional study, 520 patients aged 18–65 underwent three measurements in the carotid region using a FLIR T530 infrared sensor. Inter-method agreement was assessed via Bland-Altman analysis, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and Deming regression, with ambient temperature maintained at 20–30±1°C. Results revealed a mean difference of 0.14°C (±0.21°C) between tympanic and carotid infrared measurements, high agreement (ICC=0.93, p<0.001), and a strong linear relationship (R²=0.89). Carotid measurement time was 64% shorter than the tympanic method. Ambient temperature variations had minimal impact on accuracy (1.1% variation). Infrared sensors provide a robust alternative for non-contact, rapid, and reliable temperature measurement in emergency settings, enhancing infection control and triage efficiency.