Parents have been warned about fake digital thermometers being sold for just 99p on the internet.
Television doctor Hilary Jones joined regulators yesterday to issue an urgent warning after investigators seized some 400 of the devices in raids in London and Oxford, UK.
At least one seriously ill child has been put at risk after its parents used one of the thermometers to measure its temperature.
The child had leukaemia and needed urgent hospital care after the thermometer failed to show that its temperature had risen.
The parents have not identified themselves but alerted regulators anonymously.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said many of the devices – along with other fake healthcare products – are being sold on Ebay.
Dr Jones said: “High temperatures in children can be a sign of serious illness and these raids by the MHRA show why it is so important that people are aware that fake thermometers and other fake medical equipment are being sold cheaply on the internet."
Dr Nicola Lennard, of the MHRA, said: "Inaccurate readings from cheap, fake thermometers could result in a delay to a child getting the medical treatment they need and it is vital that people do not buy or use cheap, unapproved medical devices.
“The MHRA is working with internet sites to ensure that fake medical devices are not sold to people and we urge the public to report faulty medical devices via our Adverse Incident Hotline on 020 3080 6080 via our website at www.mhra.gov.uk.”
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