How To Get Accurate Body Temperature Readings For Both Adults And Children?

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Body temperature is one of the most crucial indicators of health. It fluctuates during the day and throughout the seasons. Therefore, understanding the body's temperature is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This is mainly because it is crucial in maintaining all important functions. However, taking temperature isn't rocket science, so to help you, here is everything you need to know. 

How to Take Temperature Accurately for Children and Adults? 

When talking about adults and children, the accurate way to measure their temperature is by using a digital thermometer. For instance:

• From newborn to the age of 5, the best way to take temperature is under the armpit. 
• For children above the age of 2, the best way to take temperature is by ear or mouth. 

• For adults, the accurate way to take their temperature is by mouth, in the ear or under the armpit. 

Procedures of Taking Body Temperature in Different Ways

Just using any thermometer isn't enough. For accurate results, it is important to know the different ways how to take the temperature. For your better understanding, here are the different methods and procedures you must know about:

 

• Axillary Method 

 

The axillary method is the best method to check the temperature in newborns and young children. The procedures to do it safely are:

• Take a thermometer and place its tips in the centre of the armpit. 
• Now, tuck your child's body tightly against the body. 
• Let the thermometer be there for a minute, or until you hear the beep sounds. 
• Once done, take out the thermometer and check the temperature.

In case your little one is stubborn, you use a non-contact infrared thermometer for ease. However, just make sure the device is specially designed for newborns. 

 

• Rectal Method 

 

In the rectal method, the temperature is taken in the rectum and is best suitable for newborns and young children. The procedures to do it safely are:

• On the silver tip, apply petroleum jelly such as Vaseline. 
• Bent your legs and lay your infant on their back. 
• Hold the thermometer in place with your fingers and carefully place it about 2.5 cm into the rectum.
• Keep it there for a minute and wait until you hear the beep sound. 
• Now take the thermometer out and check the temperature.

 

• Tympanic Method 

 

In tympanic methods, the temperature is taken in the ear and is best suitable for children older than 2 years old. The procedures to do it safely are:

•  Firstly, always keep in mind to use a clean probe tip. 
• Pull the ear back with a little tug to create a clear passage to the eardrum inside the ear. This helps in straightening the ear canal. 
• Once done, now insert the thermometer slowly until the ear canal is completely closed. 
• Hold down the button using a squeeze for around 1 second. 
• Now you can take the thermometer out and check the temperature. 

 

• Oral Method 

 

The oral method is a method in which the temperature is taken in the mouth and is best suitable for children older than 5 years of age. The procedures to do it safely are:

• Take a digital thermometer and place its tips under the tongue of the child's mouth. 
• Leave the thermometer for 1 minute with the child's mouth closed. 
• Wait until you hear the sound of the beep and then remove the device. 
• Now, you can read the temperature.

Pro Tips to Keep in Mind When Taking a Body Temperature

Whether you are using an infrared thermometer or a digital one, here are some pro tips to keep in mind when taking a body temperature:

• Always wash your thermometer before and after use or disinfect it using an alcohol swab. 
• Keep the thermometer in a cool place out of children's reach. 
• Use separate thermometers for oral and rectal methods. 
• Store thermometers in a probe cover. 

Take Care of Your Health with Accurate Readings

At Medguare, we provide a wide range of thermometers for people of all age groups. Having only the best brands in the world, we ensure you a seamless temperature-taking experience. Our products are of high quality and undergo rigorous testing before delivery. Besides, you can also rely on our experts and customer support team for any assistance.

Read More: Why Is It Important To Early Detect A Patient’s Health?