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Is Rectal Temperature The Accurate Way To Measure Body Temperature?
Question: So which temperature should I go with?
Brief Answer:
Ear temperature is most accurate for you
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
The mouth, ear, armpit, and rectum are the most commonly used places.
The average normal oral temperature is 98.6°F (37°C).
An ear (tympanic) temperature is 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than an oral temperature. In your case, the ear temperature corresponds to an oral temperature of 100.3°F to 99.8°F.
A forehead temperature is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. The forehead temperature corresponds to an oral temperature of 98.4°F to 98.9°F.
There are slight differences in temperature recorded at various locations and the rectal temperature is most accurate. Since you may not be able to record rectal temperature therefore the ear temperature of 100.3°F might be most accurate for you as this is closest to rectal temperature.
Ear temperature is most accurate for you.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Ear temperature is most accurate for you
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
The mouth, ear, armpit, and rectum are the most commonly used places.
The average normal oral temperature is 98.6°F (37°C).
An ear (tympanic) temperature is 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than an oral temperature. In your case, the ear temperature corresponds to an oral temperature of 100.3°F to 99.8°F.
A forehead temperature is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. The forehead temperature corresponds to an oral temperature of 98.4°F to 98.9°F.
There are slight differences in temperature recorded at various locations and the rectal temperature is most accurate. Since you may not be able to record rectal temperature therefore the ear temperature of 100.3°F might be most accurate for you as this is closest to rectal temperature.
Ear temperature is most accurate for you.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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