What's the accurate way to take an underarm temp?
To measure underarm temperature:
- Check that the thermometer is on.
- With the tip of the thermometer pointing at the child, have the child lift up their arm, slide the thermometer under their arm, with the tip gently pressed against the ...
- Have the child put their arm down, close against the body so the thermometer stays in place.
- Wait for the thermometer to take its reading. ...
What is normal temperature under arm?
What is the Normal Body Temperature for Adults?
- Temperature in the mouth (oral) is about 36.8°C (98.2°F)
- Temperature under the arm (axillary) is about 36.5°C (97.7°F)
- Temperature in the anus (rectum/rectal), vagina, or in the ear (otic) is about 37.5°C (99.5°F)
Is underarm temperature higher or lower than oral?
Underarm (axillary) and forehead temperatures are considered to be the least accurate because they’re taken outside of the body rather than inside. These temperatures can be as much as a full degree lower than oral body temperature. But just because underarm temperature isn’t very precise doesn’t mean that it isn’t useful.
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).
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.
Is 99.4 under the arm a fever?
A child has a fever when the temperature is at or above one of these levels: 100.4°F (38°C) measured in the bottom (rectally) 99.5°F (37.5°C) measured in the mouth (orally) 99°F (37.2°C) measured under the arm (axillary)
Why does my body feel hot but no fever?
Other causes of feeling feverish may be hormonal in nature, especially in women. Hot flashes in both perimenopause and menopause can make you feel hot and flushed, while also causing night sweats. Pregnancy may also make you feel more feverish than normal, as well as your menstrual cycles.
Should I add 1 degree to underarm temperature?
Should I add a degree to oral (under the tongue) and axillary (under the arm) readings? Yes, for the most accuracy. Rectal temperatures are considered most accurate indication of the body's temperature. Oral and axillary temperature readings are about ½° to 1°F (.
What is considered a high fever?
What is considered a high fever in adults? A high-grade fever in adults is 103 degrees F or higher.
Do you add 1 degree to a digital thermometer?
Digital thermometers At any age, you can use a digital thermometer under the arm and add 1 degree to get a general sense of what the true temperature might be (just don't count on that as 100-percent reliable.)
How high is too high fever?
High fevers are 103 degrees or above. A potentially dangerous fever begins when your temperature is at least 104 degrees. If you have a fever that is 105 degrees or higher, you need immediate medical attention.
What give you the most accurate body temperature vaginal, orally, underarm?
Vaginal and rectal: Vaginal and rectal probably give the best measurements with oral as a close second. Underarm temps are not overly accurate.
How to take baby temperature in armpit?
Being a Mom: You put the thermometer in the arm pit and hold the arm close to the babies body for a minute or so.
What armpit temperature is a fever for an adult?
Temperature: Although the definition of low grade fever can vary some, in general an axillary temperature over 37.6°C (99.7°F) would be a low grade fever in mos... Read More
What temperature is normal for a newborn?
About temperatures: 97's, 98's, and 99's are normal temperatures in normal babies. That means those temperatures don't tell you if a baby is normal or not normal. Parents... Read More
Is axillary temperature accurate?
Yes: Axillary (underarm) temperature is not very accurate. Rectal temperature is the most accurate way to take a temperature .
Is a TEMO over 100.4 considered a fever?
Rectal: Temp should be taken rectally in newborns for accuracy. Any temo over 100.4 is considered a fever
Is an armpit temperature accurate in an adult? do you need to add a degree?
Axillary temperature: "A normal axillary temperature is between 96.6° (35.9° C) and 98° F (36.7° C). The normal axillary temperature is usually a degree lower than the oral... Read More
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 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.
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.
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).
How to use a digital thermometer?
Place a clean thermometer under the arm and place the arm back down on top of it snugly. If you are using a digital thermometer, it should beep when it is finished measuring. Make sure your thermometer is clean. Wash it in slightly warm, soapy water before and after each use.
Which temperature is most accurate?
Rectal temperature is thought to be most accurate when determining actual body temperature for children.
Can you measure your body temperature under your arm?
Body temperature may vary according to where it is measured. Although measurements taken under the arm may not always be completely accurate, they can give you an approximate figure for determining whether or not you have fever.
How accurate is a rectal thermometer?
For infants, you should use the rectal method, which is the most accurate, as even a slight fever in a newborn can prove to be very dangerous. For anyone over three months of age, an axillary reading is sufficient, if done properly. Although the exact amount of time required varies, all digital thermometers should read temperature in two minutes ...
How long does it take to read a thermometer?
Although the exact amount of time required varies, all digital thermometers should read temperature in two minutes or less. Buy a digital thermometer from your local pharmacy. Although price varies, you should be able to find a decent one for around $10. Clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol before first use.
What is the normal temperature of a human body?
Although normal body temperature is commonly considered to be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, it is also considered normal to be one degree above or below that. Writer Bio. Catrina Hamid has been writing professionally since 2005. She specializes in topics related to family, parenting, pregnancy, food and crafts.
How to clean a thermometer before use?
Clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol before first use.
Where to insert thermometer?
Insert the bulb of the thermometer under the arm, fully into the armpit, so that it is in contact with skin. Make sure it is not in contact with clothing.
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.
What are the different ways to measure temperature?
However, several methods that measure the internal temperature, including oral, axillary, rectal, temporal and ear have been found in various studies to all be accurate ways to take a temperature. It is important to properly take a temperature with whatever method ...
When to take baseline temperature?
When monitoring daily temperature for your symptom journal, it is best to take the baseline temperature at the same time of day, generally in the morning. You can take it more often, and at other times of the day as needed, but consistency is the key for monitoring daily, and between flares. Also, if you get a high or low reading, re-take ...
What is the temperature reading in the tympanic ear?
Tympanic temperature readings average about the same as rectal. Take the temperature in both ears and use the highest reading unless you or your child has been laying on that ear. Several things can affect the reading in the ear including laying on one ear, an ear infection, wax build up, and angle of the thermometer.
How long after eating can you take oral temperature?
Eating and drinking can affect the accuracy when taking an oral temperature. Wait 15 to 30 minutes after eating and drinking before taking an oral temperature.
What is the difference between body temperature and time of day?
The time of day will make a difference in body temperature. Typically your temperature is lowest in the morning before you get out of bed. Temperatures will naturally rise throughout the day and change based on your activity level.
What temperature is a child at?
With that rise in temperature comes inflammation in various parts of the body. You or your child may “only” be at 99.5 degrees F, but feel miserable. Therefore symptoms and how you or your child feels need to be considered as well when making treatment decisions.
Where is the thermometer placed?
This method can be done more accurately if the thermometer is properly placed in the deepest pit part of the axilla (armpit), and held in that place, with the arm folded down and over the thermometer, until the thermometer is done testing the temperature.
How accurate is an oral thermometer?
For older children and adults, oral readings are usually accurate — as long as the mouth is closed while the thermometer is in place. The pros: Most electronic contact thermometers can record temperatures from the forehead, mouth, armpit or rectum — often in less than one minute. An electronic contact thermometer is appropriate for newborns, ...
Why are mercury thermometers no longer recommended?
Mercury thermometers are no longer recommended because they can break and allow mercury — which is toxic — to escape.
What is a remote temporal artery thermometer?
Temporal artery thermometers. Remote forehead thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead. A remote temporal artery thermometer can record a person's temperature quickly and are easily tolerated.
What are the two types of thermometers?
In general, there are two types of thermometers. Touch, or contact, thermometers must touch the body in order to measure temperature. Remote, or no contact, thermometers can measure body temperature without touching the skin.
Where to use contact thermometer?
These thermometers can be used on the forehead, mouth, armpit or rectum. Most electronic thermometers have a digital display that shows you the temperature reading.
Is an infrared thermometer safe for children?
When positioned properly, infrared ear thermometers are quick and generally comfortable for children and adults.
Why aren't mercury thermometers recommended?
Today, mercury thermometers aren't recommended because they can break and allow mercury to vaporize and be inhaled. When choosing a thermometer, consider these options: Digital thermometers. These thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature.
When reporting a temperature to your child's doctor, what should you do?
When reporting a temperature to your child's doctor, give the reading and explain how the temperature was taken.
How to put a rectal thermometer on a child?
If you put your child belly down, put your hand against his or her lower back to hold the child in place. Never try to force a rectal thermometer past any resistance.
How to get a baby's temperature?
How it's done. Rectal temperature. Turn on the digital thermometer and lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly. Lay your baby or child on his or her back, lift his or her thighs, and insert the lubricated thermometer 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) into the rectum.
What is the purpose of a digital ear thermometer?
Digital ear thermometers (tympanic membrane). These thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature inside the ear canal. Keep in mind that earwax or a small, curved ear canal can interfere with the accuracy of an ear thermometer temperature. Temporal artery thermometers.
How old should a baby be to use a digital thermometer?
However, wait until your baby is at least 6 months old to use a digital ear thermometer. If you use another type of thermometer to take a young child's temperature and you're in doubt about the results, take a rectal temperature. 4 years and older.
How old do you have to be to use a thermometer?
Age guidelines. The best type of thermometer — or the best place to insert the thermometer, in some cases — depends on your child's age. Birth to 3 months. Use a regular digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature.
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 Fah...
Other Measurement Sites
- 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. Mea…
How to Measure Temperature in The Armpit
- Place a clean thermometer under the arm and place the arm back down on top of it snugly. If you are using a digital thermometer, it should beep when it is finished measuring. If you have a glass thermometer that uses alcohol or galinstan as its means of measurement, leave the thermometer under the arm for at least five minutes. Be careful to stay still when using a glass thermometer s…
Pros and Cons
- Measuring temperature under the arm has benefits and disadvantages. 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.