Development of an Automated Temperature Measuring Device: A Potential Tool for Ovulation Detection

Abstract

Temperature spike during ovulation is one of the methods of detecting ovulation in women thus aiding fertility awareness. Some of the methods of ovulation detection are intrusive while some methods of temperature measurements are not convenient especially when temperature has to be measured for a long period of time. This research is therefore focused on development of on-the-skin temperature measuring devices using locally available tools and human resources; provision of a non-intrusive temperature measuring device that is convenient for use especially when temperature has to be measured for a long period of time and validation of the developed device with other standard measuring tools as a potential device for ovulation detection. Results obtained indicate that measurement of the automated temperature device calibrated against standard mercury-in-glass thermometer returned a correlation coefficient of 0.790996276; comparison with clinical and infrared thermometer revealed that 45 percent of the 50 respondents subscribed to the use of the device due to the comfort experienced and ease of use. The research concludes that human skin can be a possible means of obtaining accurate temperature with potential for ovulation detection. The developed device is convenient, non-intrusive, portable and easy to use especially when thermometer needs to be held in place to measure temperature for a period of time. Other possible applications include temperature measurements for special needs such as babies, the aged and the physically challenged.