The accuracy and reliability of three instruments (IVAC, [IVAC Corp., San Diego, CA] TempaDOT [PyMaH Corp., Somerville, NJ], off-the-shelf glass) were determined at axillary, oral and rectal sites taken on children by experienced RNs given one of three levels of inservice education. TempaDOT was found to be the most clinically valid temperature measurement instrument for 502 children in this acute care setting.