Examining how ear position affects temperature measurement in children

The Effect of Auricular Position on Measurement Values and Comfort in Measuring Body Temperature by Tympanic Method in Pediatric Patients

Not applicable Interventional Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT06175975

This study tests if changing the position of a child's ear can help get more accurate temperature readings when using ear thermometers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Avcilar)
Trial IDNCT06175975 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical research investigates the impact of auricular positioning on body temperature readings obtained through tympanic thermometers in pediatric patients aged 3 to 17. The study aims to determine whether adjusting the ear's position influences measurement accuracy and patient comfort during the process. By focusing on the anatomical differences in children compared to adults, the research seeks to establish best practices for temperature measurement in a clinical setting. The study will involve pediatric patients receiving inpatient care in a Pediatric Intensive Care Clinic.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pediatric patients aged 3-17 who are receiving inpatient care in a Pediatric Intensive Care Clinic.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those outside the age range, those with specific medical conditions affecting measurement, or those undergoing treatments that could interfere with temperature readings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and comfortable temperature measurements for pediatric patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on temperature measurement techniques, this specific investigation into auricular positioning in pediatric patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Being between the ages of 3-17
2. Receiving inpatient care/treatment in the Pediatric Intensive Care Clinic
3. For the pediatric patient, the parents' willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Being outside the age range of 3-17
2. Patient's medical condition;

   * Being sedated or unconscious,
   * Being intubated or tracheostomized,
   * Have had a head injury,
   * Have an ear disease, have an trauma/surgery,
   * Have an ear discharge, ear infection,
   * Have sepsis.
3. Implementation of interventions/treatments that will affect the measurement;

   * Application of treatment (drops) by ear,
   * Last antipyretic treatment taken before 4 hours,
   * Before and during body temperature measurement, interventions (hot and cold application, blood transfusion, hemodialysis and plasma exchange) that will affect the measurement

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Avcilar

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Body Temperature ChangesAuricular positionComfortPediatric patients
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.