Add these numbers to oral and axillary temperature readings for the most accurate reading. The most accurate way to measure temperature is to take a rectal reading.
Digital Thermometer Vs Mercury Thermometer Which Is Better
Which gives the most accurate measurement of body temperature. 1 core body temperature is regulated by both peripheral and central receptors that are integrated within the hypothalamus. The rectal or vaginal temperature is generally considered to give the most accurate assessment of core body temperature particularly in hypothermia. Human body temperature varies depending on where on the body the temperature is taken and the time of measurement. Modern high quality thermometers measure with an accuracy of 01 c. Rectal temperatures provide the best readings for infants especially those 3 months or younger as well as children up to age 3. Using a tympanic thermometer for adults and children over 2 years old.
Rectal thermometer gives the most accurate body temperature niven said that the more invasive the method is the more accurate is the result produced by it. Other factors to take into account are. Rectal temperature is said to be the most accurate method for measuring the core temperature lefrant et al 2003. Rectal temperatures are considered most accurate indication of the bodys temperature. A jelly like vaseline would do. In general rectal temperatures are considered to be more accurate when checking for fever in a young child.
The pulmonary artery catheter which measures blood temperature is considered the gold standard for measuring core temperatures. Plastic strip thermometers measure skin temperature not body temperature. 2 autonomic as well as behavioral responses to changes in temperature maintain homeostasis or a range of normal around 37 c. Armpit temperatures are usually the least accurate. Fever in most adults a fever is an oral temperature above 1004f 38c or a rectal or ear temperature above 101f 383c. Rectal temperature gives the most accurate measurement of body temperature.
The technical precision and clinical reliability in the use of the thermometer should not be confused. He added that the invasive methods of body temperature measurements allow doctors to diagnose health problems in patients without any obvious symptom. In the early 2000s ingestible thermistors in capsule form were produced allowing the temperature inside the digestive tract to be transmitted to an external receiver. However obtaining this is more time consuming than other methods and might be considered unfavourable for some patients dzarr et al 2009. Practitioners should pay particular attention to issues of privacy. Apply a lubricant on the bulb of the thermometer.
Oral and axillary temperature readings are about ½ to 1f 3c to6c below rectal. For older children and adults oral readings are usually accurate as long as the mouth is closed while the thermometer is in place. One study found that these. This makes the insertion of thermometer easier. A forehead scanner is most often 05f 03c to 1f 06c lower than an oral temperature.