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. Temperature comparison table The temperature comparison table below will give you the range of temperature correlation with the different methods used to take a temperature.
To use the table: Find the method that you used to take a temperature. Find the correct temperature range. Look for the temperature range of the other methods that correlates to the method you used. For example: If your 2-year-old child's oral temperature is If your axillary temperature is Credits Current as of: October 19, Current as of: October 19, To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.
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Top of the page. Fever Temperatures: Accuracy and Comparison. Topic Overview You can take a temperature using the mouth oral , anus rectal , armpit axillary , or ear tympanic. Generally, the correlation of temperature results are as follows: The average normal oral temperature is A rectal temperature is 0.
An ear tympanic temperature is 0. An armpit axillary temperature is usually 0. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address.
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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. It is recommended for babies , small children, and people who can't hold a thermometer safely in their mouths.
Use a rectal thermometer only if you are comfortable doing so. It is also used when it is very important to get the most accurate reading. Do not use a thermometer to take an oral temperature after it has been used to take a rectal temperature. Taking a temperature in the armpit may not be as accurate as taking an oral or rectal temperature. This method is recommended for children older than 2 years.
Ear thermometers may need to be cleaned before they are used. Taking an oral temperature causes only mild discomfort. You have to keep the thermometer under your tongue and hold it in place with your lips. Taking a rectal temperature can cause a little discomfort, but it should not be painful. Taking an ear temperature causes little or no discomfort.
The probe is not inserted very far into the ear, and it gives a reading in only a few seconds. Taking an armpit temperature does not cause any discomfort. There is very little chance of a problem from taking a temperature. When taking a rectal temperature, do not push the thermometer in more than 1. Pushing it farther can be painful and may damage the rectum. If you tell your doctor about your temperature reading, be sure to say where it was taken: in the mouth, rectum, armpit, or ear.
But that may not be normal for you. Your temperature also changes during the day. It is usually lowest in the early morning. It may rise as much as 0. Your temperature may also rise by 0. A woman's body temperature often changes by 0. It peaks around the time she ovulates. A rectal or ear temperature of less than A temperature reading may not be accurate if:.
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Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn How this information was developed. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. All rights reserved. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. British Columbia Specific Information Body temperature is a measure of the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat.
Top of the page. Test Overview Body temperature is a measure of your body's ability to make and get rid of heat. When you are too hot, the blood vessels in your skin widen to carry the excess heat to your skin's surface. You may start to sweat. As the sweat evaporates, it helps cool your body. When you are too cold, your blood vessels narrow. This reduces blood flow to your skin to save body heat. You may start to shiver. When the muscles tremble this way, it helps to make more heat.
Fever In most adults, an oral or axillary temperature above A fever may occur as a reaction to: Infection. This is the most common cause of a fever. Infections may affect the whole body or one body part. These include antibiotics , opioids , antihistamines , and many others.
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