Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
To assess the severity of hypothermia in a primary care patient, the essential investigations include:
- Measurement of core body temperature using a reliable method that provides either a direct measurement or a direct estimate of core temperature accurate to within 0.5ºC. Suitable sites include pulmonary artery catheter, distal oesophagus, urinary bladder, zero heat-flux (deep forehead), sublingual, axilla, or rectum. Peripheral sites such as axilla or sublingual may be less accurate if the core temperature is outside the normal range (36.5°C to 37.5°C) NICE CG65.
- Clinical assessment of vital signs and symptoms to evaluate the patient's general condition and identify complications related to hypothermia, such as cardiovascular instability or altered consciousness NICE CG65.
- Basic blood tests may be considered to assess metabolic disturbances, electrolyte imbalances, and organ function, although specific tests are not detailed in the provided guidelines.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) may be useful if there is suspicion of cardiac complications, as hypothermia can cause arrhythmias NICE CKS.
In primary care, the priority is accurate temperature measurement and clinical assessment to determine severity and need for urgent referral or hospital management.