Obligatory medical device diagnostics.
- Temperature measurement with a clinical thermometer- the most accurate is the rectal measurement, ie, in the anus (measurement time: 5 min) (gold standard); the measurement can also be oral, ie, under the tongue, axillary, ie, under the armpit (measurement time: 10 min) or auricular, ie, in the ear (measurement error possible due to earwax).
In addition to the conventional mercury thermometer, there are the following alternatives:
- Digital thermometers
- Ear thermometers
- Forehead thermometer
- Infrared thermometer
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes – if respiratory tract infections are suspected.
- Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – standard diagnostics when the cause of the chills is unclear.
- Computed tomography of the thorax / chest (thoracic CT)/the abdomen (abdominal CT) – for suspected systemic diseases or tumors.
