Having a reliable medical thermometer at home can be incredibly helpful. The ability to accurately find out if someone has a fever gives you much-needed information about important next steps for their care. Show There are many types of contact and contact-free thermometers to choose from. The ages of your household members, as well as personal preference, can help you determine which types to buy. Like any other device in your home, it’s important to understand how your thermometer works. Not every type works the same way or is designed to provide the same temperature readings. Guesswork is the last thing you want to rely on when someone is sick. Here’s an overview of medical thermometers, how to use them, and what their measurements mean. No matter which type you choose, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. No thermometer will provide accurate results if it’s used incorrectly. Never use a thermometer on a person that is meant for another purpose, such as a laboratory or meat thermometer. These won’t provide accurate readings. If you’re a parent, you may be wondering why we’re omitting forehead strip thermometers from this roundup. Strip thermometers are inexpensive and quick to use. However, since they measure skin temperature rather than body temperature, they’re significantly less accurate and should be avoided. Digital thermometerDigital thermometers work by using heat sensors that determine body temperature. They can be used to take temperature readings in the mouth, rectum, or armpit. When assessing digital thermometer readings, keep in mind that armpit (axillary) temperature runs about ½ to 1°F (0.6°C) cooler than oral readings. Rectal thermometers run ½ to 1°F (0.6°C) warmer than oral readings. BenefitsDigital thermometers provide accurate readings in about 1 minute or less. DrawbacksIn order to get an accurate reading from oral use, the tip of the device must be placed under the tongue with the mouth completely closed. For this reason, rectal readings are considered to be the most accurate for infants and small children. Additionally:
Oral thermometerOral temperature can be taken by either a digital or mercury thermometer. We’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of mercury thermometers below. The average oral temperature reading is 98.6°F (37°C). However, any oral temperature from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) is considered typical. Some people run naturally cool, and others slightly warmer. It’s a good idea to know what your temperature typically is so you can assess whether you’re running a fever when you feel sick. BenefitsOral thermometers are most accurate in children over 3 and in adults. DrawbacksSmall children and people with breathing issues may not be able to keep their mouths closed long enough to acquire an accurate reading. Digital ear (tympanic) thermometerTympanic thermometers measure the temperature inside the ear canal through infrared ray technology. Tympanic readings are 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than oral temperature readings. BenefitsTympanic thermometers provide fast and accurate readings and may be preferable to oral or rectal thermometers, especially in children. Drawbacks
Forehead (temporal) thermometerForehead thermometers use infrared sensors to measure the temperature of the superficial temporal artery, which is a branch of the carotid artery. Some are known as non-contact infrared thermometers. Forehead thermometers that require no physical contact have become very popular for use in venues such as airports, stores, and stadiums. Forehead temperature readings run around 1°F (0.6°C) cooler than oral temperature readings. Benefits
Drawbacks
App-based thermometerMost free phone apps designed to take temperature readings are meant for recording the temperature of environments, not people. Phone apps that help with taking people’s temperatures rely on digital thermometers that link back to the app via Bluetooth connection. Benefits
Drawbacks
Pacifier thermometerIf your baby uses a pacifier, this may be an easy way for you to record their approximate temperature. BenefitsEase of use is the biggest benefit of pacifier thermometers. DrawbacksPacifier thermometers must remain in the mouth, without moving, for up to 6 minutes. Additionally, they provide an approximation of temperature rather than an exact reading. Mercury (liquid in glass) thermometerMercury thermometers were once the only option available for taking temperature. Due to safety concerns, they’re no longer widely available and may even be illegal where you live. Benefits
Drawbacks
The best thermometer is the one that you can use most comfortably and correctly. It’s also helpful if your thermometer comes from a reliable manufacturer. Rectal thermometers are still considered by many medical professionals to be the gold standard for babies and children. However, oral and forehead readings are also typically very reliable in these age groups. Always keep in mind that temperature readings vary, based on how the thermometer is administered:
To take temperature orally with a digital thermometer:
To take someone’s temperature rectally with a digital thermometer:
If your child is squirming, it may be hard to get an accurate reading. If so, remove the thermometer and use a different thermometer to take an oral, armpit, or forehead reading. No-touch forehead thermometers usually have a removable cap that keeps it clean during storage. Make sure you take the cap off before use.
Instructions for forehead thermometers vary by manufacturer, so make sure to read and hold onto the instructions or user’s manual that come with your device. Digital thermometers are a popular option, which can be used orally, rectally, or under the armpit. There are some no-touch forehead thermometers that are also popular, especially in social settings. In order to assess the thermometer reading accurately, follow the manufacturer’s directions. Temperature readings vary, based on the type of thermometer you’re using. Which body temperature site is most accurate?Rectal temps are the most accurate. Forehead temps are the next most accurate. Oral and ear temps are also accurate if done properly.
What is the most accurate way to take an Adults temperature?Temperatures taken from the armpit are usually the least accurate. For older children and adults, oral readings are usually accurate — as long as the mouth is closed while the thermometer is in place.
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