temperature sites

Temporal artery temperature

Fast temperature measurement taken by scanning the forehead toward the temporal area.

Temporal artery advantages

Fast, about 3 seconds; no discomfort; safe for infants and patients unable to follow instructions.

Temporal artery problems

Hats, hair, pillow contact, sweating, exercise, and environmental temperature can affect the reading.

Rectal temperature

Temperature measured in the rectal cavity; accurately represents core temperature.

Rectal temperature advantage

Very accurate and traditionally considered the gold standard.

Rectal temperature concerns

Can be uncomfortable and carries risk of injury.

Rectal temperature contraindications

Rectal disease, severe diarrhea, recent rectal surgery, hemorrhoids, immunosuppression, clotting disorders, and some cardiac conditions.

Oral temperature

Temperature measured under the tongue.

Oral temperature advantage

Simple, convenient, and comfortable for most patients.

Things that affect oral temperature

Eating, drinking, and smoking within 30 minutes before measurement.

Who should not have an oral temperature

Patients unable to follow instructions, infants or small children, confused or unconscious patients, patients with oral surgery, or patients who breathe through the mouth.

Axillary temperature

Temperature measured in the armpit.

Axillary temperature advantages

Safe, easy, and useful for children or uncooperative or unconscious patients.

Axillary temperature disadvantages

Less accurate and does not accurately represent core temperature.

Suspected fever with axillary temperature

Confirm the temperature using another route.

Tympanic temperature

Temperature measured in the ear canal.

Tympanic temperature advantages

Fast, about 2-5 seconds; easy to use; can be used in children over 6 months.

Tympanic temperature problems

Earwax, incorrect positioning, hearing aids, and differences between ears can affect accuracy.

Tympanic contraindications

Recent ear surgery and ear infection.

Skin temperature

Temperature measured against the skin, such as the forehead.

Skin temperature compared with core temperature

Usually about 1-2°C (2-4°F) lower than core temperature.

When skin temperature should not be relied on

When an accurate, reliable temperature is required.