Some doctors recommend taking a baby's temperature in the armpit. This is called the axillary temperature. It's easy, convenient, and safe, and all you need is a regular digital thermometer. The downside is that an armpit reading is far less accurate than other methods.
What is the normal temperature of the armpit?
An armpit (axillary) temperature is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. A Forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. Forehead Thermometer for body temperature.
Which temperature site is considered most accurate?
Site for taking temperature is the armpit Axillary temperature Considered to be most accurate temperature Rectal temperature Ear wax may cause an inaccurate reading Tympanic temperature Thermometer is inserted no more than one inch Rectal temperature
Is taking temperature under the arm accurate?
Underarm Temperature. Temperature taken under the arm usually is considered to be less accurate than most other body locations for measuring temperature. This measurement, also known as "axillary temperature," tends to be about half a degree to a degree below oral temperature 1. Therefore, normal axillary temperature would range between 97.6 degrees and 98.1 degrees Fahrenheit (36.4-36.7 degrees Celsius).
Is the temperature under your armpits body temperature?
The armpit does a pretty good job of reflecting body core temperature if the person keeps their arm down. If you have a chance to use an infrared camera, look at people and see where they are warmest. This most closely reflects body core temperature.
How many degrees do you add when you take a temperature under the arm?
An armpit temperature is generally 1 degree lower than an oral temperature. It can be nearly 2 degrees lower than a rectal temperature, which is the most accurate.
What armpit temperature is a fever?
The following thermometer readings generally indicate a fever: Rectal, ear or temporal artery temperature of 100.4 (38 C) or higher. Oral temperature of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher. Armpit temperature of 99 F (37.2 C) or higher.
What is the most accurate way to take temperature?
Rectal temps are the most accurate. Forehead temps are the next most accurate. Oral and ear temps are also accurate if done properly. Temps done in the armpit are the least accurate.
Why is my temperature different every time I take it?
Basal thermometers can measure small changes in your temperature. If you measure several times in a row, your body's temperature will naturally rise (and sometimes fall), so the first temperature reading will be different than the next reading.
What's a bad fever temperature?
Call your health care provider if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever: Severe headache.
What temperature is considered a fever for Covid?
Remove the thermometer and read the number: Fever: Any temperature 100.4 F or greater is considered a fever. No fever: People with temperatures at or below 100.3 F may continue into the shelter using normal procedures.
Do you add a degree under the arm for toddler's?
The thermometer reading is accurate, and you do not need to add a degree to the result as you would if measuring temperature under the arm.
Why is armpit temperature higher?
The axillas are not normally exposed to the environment so axillary temperature varies less than exposed skin temperature. However, most axillary skin and tissues are not close to major blood vessels, so axillary temperature is as much a reflection of skin temperature as of core temperature.
What is the temperature of the armpit?
See a doctor if the temperature reads 99 ° F (37 °C) or above. Armpit temperature readings are usually lower than oral readings by 0.5-1.0 degree and rectal readings by about 2 degrees. If the armpit reading is above 99 °F (37 °C), then the person probably has a fever. [11]
How to activate a thermometer?
Press the start button to activate the thermometer. Most digital thermometers have a start button. Press this button and wait a few seconds. The display may flash until it reads “0.00.” This indicates that the thermometer is ready for use. [7]
How long does it take for a thermometer to be read?
Hold the thermometer in place until it beeps. Most digital thermometers take a reading in about 10 seconds, then beep to alert you. Wait until you hear this beep. Don’t remove the thermometer beforehand or your reading will be inaccurate.
How to get the most accurate reading?
Use a digital thermometer for the most accurate reading. These thermometers are recommended most often because they’re accurate and difficult to break. If you don’t have one in your home, get one from a local pharmacy or order it online.
Is a fever strip accurate?
Fever strips or thermometer phone apps aren’t accurate, so don’t rely on them for taking someone’s temperature.
Can you pull your arm out of one sleeve?
If the person doesn’t want to remove their shirt entirely, they can just pull their arm out of one sleeve so you can access the armpit.
Can you leave a child unattended while taking a temperature?
If you’re taking a child’s temperature, do not leave them unattended while the thermometer works. They may move or take the thermometer out, and you’ll have to take the temperature again.
How to get accurate armpit temperature?
But armpit temperatures are typically less accurate than oral temperatures. Turn on the digital thermometer. Place the thermometer under your armpit, making sure it touches skin, not clothing. Hold the thermometer tightly in place until you hear the thermometer beep indicating it's done.
How to clean a thermometer after taking a medicine?
Clean the thermometer before and after each use with rubbing alcohol or soap and lukewarm water. Don't use the same thermometer for both oral and rectal temperatures. Get two and label which is used where. Wait at least 6 hours after taking medications that can lower your temperature, like acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, ...
What is the purpose of a digital ear thermometer?
A digital ear thermometer uses an infrared ray to measure the temperature inside the ear canal.
What is the temporal artery thermometer?
Temporal artery thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in your forehead.
Do you need an oral thermometer?
You'll need an oral thermometer, used in the mouth.
Can you use a mercury thermometer at Mayo Clinic?
By Mayo Clinic Staff. Always use a digital thermometer to check your temperature. Because of the potential for mercury exposure or ingestion, glass mercury thermometers have been phased out and are no longer recommended.
How to measure temperature in armpit?
How to Measure Temperature in the Armpit 1 Place a clean thermometer under the arm and place the arm back down on top of it snugly. 2 If you are using a digital thermometer, it should beep when it is finished measuring.
How accurate is the body temperature?
Rectal temperature is thought to be most accurate when determining actual body temperature for children. Normal range runs between 97 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 36.0-37.7 degrees Celsius. Ear temperature (or "tympanic" temperature) also is very accurate in children and adults. 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 degrees Celsius) is the normal temperature for this method. Measuring body temperature orally is perhaps the most traditional means of measurement. Although 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard norm, healthy range can vary between 98.2 and 98.8 degrees (36.7-37.1 degrees Celsius).
What is the normal axillary temperature?
Therefore, normal axillary temperature would range between 97.6 degrees and 98.1 degrees Fahrenheit ( 36.4-36.7 degrees Celsius).
What is the normal temperature under the arm?
27 July, 2017. Normal body temperature traditionally is thought to be about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.0 degrees Celsius. This measurement, however, usually corresponds to temperature taken orally.
Which temperature is most accurate?
Rectal temperature is thought to be most accurate when determining actual body temperature for children.
When should a digital thermometer beep?
If you are using a digital thermometer, it should beep when it is finished measuring.
Is it better to measure temperature under your arm?
The obvious downside is that it is less accurate than other means of measurement. An advantage is that it is not very invasive. Many children have a hard time holding still for temperature measurement in other areas of the body, but they can tolerate having the thermometer at the armpit.
How to take axillary temperature?
To take an accurate axillary temperature, the thermometer point must fit snugly into your baby's armpit. If you don't get a snug fit, the reading you get will probably be too low. Make sure that your baby's clothing doesn't get between the thermometer and the skin. The baby's skin should completely surround the thermometer. Removing your baby's clothing will make it easier. Dry the armpit, since moisture conducts heat and may give a false reading. Place the thermometer as high up into the armpit as possible, with the tip pointing toward your baby's head. Hold your baby's arm down against his side to ensure that the tip of the thermometer is surrounded by skin.
How to get a baby's arm to dry?
Dry the armpit, since moisture conducts heat and may give a false reading. Place the thermometer as high up into the armpit as possible, with the tip pointing toward your baby's head . Hold your baby's arm down against his side to ensure that the tip of the thermometer is surrounded by skin.
How long does it take for a thermometer to register?
According to an April 2006 study published in "Archives of Disease in Childhood," most digital thermometers will register within 40 to 80 seconds when taking an axillary temperature, and beep to let you know when to read it.
Is axillary temperature lower than rectal temperature?
An axillary temperature will normally be lower than a rectal temperature. A common definition for fever using the rectal method is 100.4 F, while for the axillary method it's 99.3 F. A systematic review published in April 2000 in "BMJ" found that there was wide variation between axillary and rectal temperatures.
Can a thermometer be used in the armpit?
Ear thermometers and digital thermometers that scan the temples or forehead are available for purchase, but they won't work in the armpit. The old-style glass and mercury thermometers, no longer sold in the United States, should not be used because of the risk of injury from broken glass and from the mercury inside.
Is it better to take axillary temperature or rectal temperature?
Taking an axillary temperature -- under the armpit -- is more time-consuming and often less accurate than taking a rectal temperature. For very young babies, the rectal method may be preferred for accuracy. But axillary temperatures can provide an adequate screening tool when you use the correct thermometer and follow some simple rules ...
How to take a temperature?
You can take a temperature using the mouth (oral), anus (rectal), armpit (axillary), or ear (tympanic). But the temperature readings vary depending on which one you use, and you need an accurate body temperature to determine if a fever is present.
What is the temperature of a forehead scanner?
A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. It is important to remember: Rectal temperatures are generally thought to be the most accurate for checking a young child's temperature.
What temperature should a 2-year-old be?
If your 2-year-old child's oral temperature is 101°F (38.3°C), his or her rectal or ear temperature may be about 102°F (38.9°C). Remember, a child has a fever when his or her temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, measured rectally.
Can you use a thermometer at home?
Plastic strip thermometers have some uses, but they aren't recommended for general home use. Unlike oral, rectal, and ear thermometers, plastic strip thermometers measure skin temperature, not body temperature.
