Thermocouples for temperature measurements on skin surfaces and in living tissue

Abstract

Details have been given of the construction of thermocouples suitable for temperature measurements on skin surfaces and in living tissue. The sources of error have been discussed, and tests of the accuracy of the method have been described. It is concluded that, with adequate precautions, the following degree of accuracy was attained : Skin Surface Instrument - Random errors, ±0·14°C.; systematic errors, less than - 0·2°C. per 10°C. temperature difference between skin and surroundings. Hypodermic Instrument - Random errors, ± 0·1°C.; systematic errors, less than 0·1°C. per 10°C. temperature difference between tissue and air.