The primary aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of an infrared thermometer compared to the gold standard, mercury-in-glass thermometer. The secondary aim was to compare tympanic and axillary temperature measurements by evaluating agreement and correlation to determine whether an infrared tympanic thermometer can replace an axillary mercury thermometer in the emergency department.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Above 37.5°C measured by axillary mercury thermometer

Exclusion Criteria:

1. otitis external/media
2. soft-tissue infection over the axillary fossa and forehead
3. complete occlusion by earwax
4. severe illness
5. trauma

Febrile patients defined by a cut off of 37.5°C measured by axillary mercury thermometer were enrolled. Patients who meet the exclusion criteria were excluded.