Ear measurement of temperature is only useful for screening for fever in an adult emergency department.

Background: A new generation of ear thermometers with preheated tips and several measurements points should allow a more precise temperature measurement. The aim of the study was to evaluate if the ear temperature measured by this ear thermometer can be used to screen for fever and whether the thermometer is in agreement with the rectal temperature and if age, use of hearing devices or time after admission influences the temperature measurements.

Methods: Open cross-sectional clinical single site study patients, > 18 years old, who were acutely admitted to the short stay unit at the ED.