Scot Med J
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Comparative Study
Temporal scanner thermometry: a new method of core temperature estimation in ICU patients.
Temperature measurement is a routine task of patient care, with considerable clinical impact, especially in the ICU. This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy and variability of the Temporal Artery Thermometer (TAT) in ICU-patients. Therefore, a convenience sample of 57 adult patients, with indwelling pulmonary artery catheters (PAC) in a 40-bed intensive care unit in a university teaching hospital was used. ⋯ We can conclude that the temporal scanner has a relatively good reliability with an acceptable accuracy and variability in patients with normothermia. The results are comparable to those of the AT, but they do not seem to be sufficient to prove any substantial benefit compared to rectal, oral or bladder thermometry.
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We wanted to determine whether the practice of routinely sending an anaesthetist to cardiac arrests is common within Scotland. We also wished to evaluate the interventions performed by our intensive care anaesthetist when responding to cardiac arrest calls. ⋯ Patients who remain in cardiac arrest upon the arrival of the anaesthetist have a very high mortality. The practice of routinely sending an anaesthetist to cardiac arrest calls is not justified.