body temperature conversion oral vs. axillary

If your child has a temperature, it is essential to keep track of it. New research indicates that temporal artery temperatures may be reliable in children younger than three months of age when properly measured. You will also notice that one side is warmer than the other, so checking both temples is necessary. Perhaps you have seen a thermometer swiped across their forehead and on either side of their head? While fast, the results will vary, so multiple and accurate readings are required. Tympanic temperatures are not recommended in children less than six months of age.Īnother way to check a child’s temperature is temporally. However, the reading can be inaccurate if the thermometer is not inserted correctly or if there is a buildup of earwax in the ear canal. Keep a log of temperatures with times listed as well as any medicine provided.Ĭhecking your child’s temperature using an ear thermometer is usually accurate. Clean thermometer with rubbing alcohol.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.Keep in place for one minute or until the thermometer makes a beep sound indicating the reading is complete. It should be placed towards the back of the palate. Insert the thermometer into their mouth and under their tongue.Clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol and rinse off.To measure your child’s temperature orally: When deciding whether to check your child’s temperature orally (in the mouth) versus axillary (under the arm), oral temperature readings are more precise. Oral Temperature is More Accurate than Axillary Keep a log of their temperatures, times and if any medicine is given to provide to their pediatrician should seeing them become necessary. There is no need to add or subtract a degree. The rectal temperature reading is accurate.Always clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol after use and label it, so it is not accidentally used orally.Keep the thermometer in place for one minute or until it makes a beep sound indicating the reading is complete. Alternately, you can let the child lay on their back and lift their legs up to their chest while taking their temperature. Hold the thermometer loosely between fingers with the hand cupped over their bottom. Insert ½ to 1 inch of the thermometer into the rectum. Have child lay face down on a hard surface to restrict movement.Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly onto the end of the thermometer. Clean thermometer with rubbing alcohol and rinse off.To measure your child’s temperature rectally: However, these are not nearly as accurate as their digital counterparts.įor the most accurate reading, temperatures should be checked rectally if a child is younger than three years of age.

Today, most pharmacies offer mercury-free thermometers. While you probably grew up with a glass thermometer containing mercury, they are not considered safe. To assist parents, we have devised a Temperature 101 Tip Sheet for the most precise temperature checking. However, you will probably get plenty of pushback if you come to take your 14-year-old’s temperature with a rectal thermometer. Rectal temperatures are most accurate regardless of age. The best way to check a child’s temperature varies based on age. That means knowing the most precise way to check a child’s temperature and having the right tools to do it. Or worse, incorrectly check his temperature.Īs parents, when our child is sick we want reliable answers fast. Which one is accurate? Surely the highest? When your child is sick, the last thing you want to do is rely on a method that gives unreliable readings. But you wonder why his temperature varies so much depending on what type of thermometer you use.

Body temperature conversion oral vs. axillary