ThermoSpot

The ThermoSpot is a liquid crystal temperature indicator in the form of a flexible plastic disc that sticks directly onto the newborn’s skin. If the infant’s temperature is between 36.5ºC (97.7ºF) and 37.5ºC (99.5ºF), the black disk changes to a green smiling face to indicate that the temperature is within a normal range. If the baby’s temperature drops below 36.5ºC, the smile begins to fade until the disk turns black at 35.5ºC. ThermoSpot can be used for 7-10 days consecutively and can be reused once cleaned with soap and water if it is attached to the skin with surgical tape.

Diameter: 12 mm

A warranty is not included with purchase of ThermoSpot. The product is robust and inexpensive and is therefore not intended to be serviceable.^{Interview with representative}

The thermometer can be reused for up to 1 year if stored in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight when not in use.

A study with 180 observations that was conducted in an urban Indian slum reported that the ThermoSpot sensitivity and specificity for the detection of hypothermia (axillary temperature below 35°C) were 88% and 97% respectively when compared to digital electric thermometers.¹ However, a study conducted in Zimbabwe with a total of 2787 thermometer readings reported that the sensitivity and specificity detection of hypothermia was 18% and 100% respectively.² A study conducted at a rural hospital in Malwai reported that ThermoSpot readings were in agreement with rectal temperature measurements taken with a low-reading glass-mercury thermometer in 99 of 100 measurements across ten newborns.³ An additional study conducted in Malawi with 162 children suffering with sevever acute malnutrition reported that the specificity of the ThermoSpot was consistently above 94% and that 93% of mothers were satisfied with the device⁴. Data from a study conducted in Uttar Pradesh, India showed that there was no effect on neonatal mortality when the ThermoSpot was integrated into the newborn care package.⁵ For a study in Nepal, sensitivity and specificity of ThermoSpot in detecting moderate hypothermia was found to be 97.8% and 99.8% respectively.⁶

Performance results from clinical study in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Performance results from clinical study in Sunder Nagri, Delhi, India.

Performance results from clinical study in Malawi.

Performance results from clinical study in Nepal

The site that is chosen on the newborn must be cleaned with alcohol before the ThermoSpot is attached.