Version May 2024
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Are there different ways to take a temperature? — Yes. To take a temperature, use a device called a "thermometer." There are different types of thermometers:
●Digital – This is used in the mouth, armpit, or rectum. This is the most accurate type of thermometer.
●Ear – This is also called a "tympanic thermometer."
●Forehead – This is also called a "temporal artery thermometer." There are also "contactless" versions of forehead thermometers. These let you take a temperature without actually touching the person's skin.
Do not use glass thermometers that contain mercury. These can break open and spill mercury, which is poisonous.
The main reasons to take a temperature are to:
●Check for a fever – A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is a fever.
●Check to see if medicines to lower a fever are working
What is the best way to take a child's or baby's temperature? — The most accurate way is to take a rectal temperature. Oral (mouth) temperatures are also reliable for children who are at least 4 years old. Oral temperatures should not be taken for babies or children younger than 4 years old.
Armpit, ear, and forehead temperatures are less accurate. Do not use an ear thermometer for a baby younger than 6 months old.
How do I clean the thermometer? — No matter which type of thermometer you have, always clean it before and after each use. There are different ways to clean each type:
●Digital thermometer – Clean the thin end with the metal tip using rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Rinse that end under cool water before using. Try not to get water on the screen or button.
●Ear thermometer – Gently wipe the end that goes into the ear with a clean cloth. Do not soak in water.
●Forehead thermometer – Wipe off the device with a damp cloth. Dry well before using or putting away.
Some types of thermometers have single-use plastic covers. These go over the part of the thermometer that goes into the body. If your device has these, use a new cover each time and throw it away after use.
How do I take an oral temperature? — To take an oral (mouth) temperature using a digital thermometer:
●Wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking – Food or drinks can raise or lower the temperature in the mouth.
●Clean the digital thermometer, following the steps above.
●Turn on the thermometer.
●Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue, toward the back of the mouth.
●Close the lips around the thermometer, and breathe through the nose.
●Keep the thermometer still until it beeps. This takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
●When the thermometer beeps, read the temperature on the screen.
●Clean the thermometer.
How do I take a rectal temperature? — The rectum is the lower part of the large intestine. To take a rectal temperature using a digital thermometer (figure 1):
●Clean the digital thermometer, following the steps above.
●Turn on the thermometer.
●Put a lubricant on the tip of the device. This can be a water-based lubricant (sample brand names: K-Y Jelly, Surgilube) or petroleum jelly (sample brand name: Vaseline).
●Spread the buttocks with 1 hand.
●Using the other hand, insert the tip of the thermometer into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm). Do not force the thermometer in.
●Hold the device in place with your hand or by pressing the buttocks together.
●Keep the thermometer still until it beeps. This takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
●When the thermometer beeps, read the temperature on the screen.
●Clean the thermometer.
How do I take an armpit temperature? — To take an armpit temperature using a digital thermometer:
●Clean the digital thermometer, following the steps above.
●Turn on the thermometer.
●Put the tip of the device in the center of a dry armpit.
●Gently press the arm against the body.
●Keep the thermometer still until it beeps. This takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
●When the thermometer beeps, read the temperature on the screen.
•A temperature reading from the armpit might be lower than a reading from the mouth.
●Clean the thermometer.
How do I take an ear temperature? — To take an ear temperature (figure 2):
●Wait 15 minutes after being outside – Being outside can change the temperature of the ears.
●Clean the ear thermometer, following the steps above.
●Gently pull the ear up and back if the child is older than 1 year. If the child is between 6 and 12 months old, pull the ear back.
●Put the tip of the device in the ear, pointed toward the opening inside the ear. Gently push the thermometer 1/4 to 1/2 inch in (about 1/2 to 1 cm), toward the eardrum.
●Turn on the thermometer.
●Keep the thermometer still until it beeps.
●When the thermometer beeps, read the temperature on the screen.
●Clean the thermometer.
How do I take a forehead temperature? — To take a forehead temperature:
●Make sure the forehead is dry.
●Clean the temporal artery thermometer, following the steps above.
●Press the end with the soft cup against the forehead. Press and hold the "on" button.
●Swipe the device over the forehead and down behind the ear.
●Read the temperature on the screen.
●Clean the thermometer.
If you have a contactless thermometer, follow the instructions that came with it. It's important that you hold it the right distance from the forehead.
How do I know if the thermometer reading is correct? — Certain things can make the body temperature slightly higher. These include:
●Wearing a lot of layers or being wrapped tightly in a blanket
●Being in a very warm room
●Physical activity
●Using a hot water bottle
●Having a warm bath or shower
●Drinking warm drinks or eating hot foods
If you think any of these things could have affected the thermometer reading, wait for a few minutes and try to cool down. Then, take the temperature again.
Patient education: When to worry about a fever in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Fever in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Fever in babies younger than 3 months (The Basics)
Patient education: Neutropenia and fever in people being treated for cancer (The Basics)
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