How to Take a Temperature

Home
Medical Care
Infection Prevention and Control
How to Take a Temperature Current Page

How do I take a temperature?

The best way to take a temperature is to use a digital thermometer. They are quick and easy to use. Do not use a glass mercury-containing thermometer. Mercury thermometers can be toxic if broken.

What is a fever? A fever is an increase in body temperature. A normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C). In general, a fever is a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).

Fever guidelines in children

How fever is defined can vary based on the method used to take a temperature. Check with your doctor for specific fever guidelines.

For children over 3 months of age, fever can be defined as:

An oral (by mouth) temperature of 100.9°F (38.3°C) or higher
An oral temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher that persists for one hour
An under the arm (axillary) temperature of 99.9°F (37.7°C)

An under the arm temperature of 99.4°F (37.4°C) or higher that persists for one hour

In a child younger than 3 months, a fever is an under the arm temperature of 99.4°F (37.4°C) or higher.

General tips for using a digital thermometer
- Get a baseline to know your/ your child’s normal body temperature. Take a morning and evening temperature over a couple of days when your child is feeling well. This will give you an idea of what is normal for your child.
- Read the directions to find out the meaning of beeps and display symbols.
- Make sure the screen is clear of any old readings.
- Keep the thermometer in place until it beeps.
- Do not let children take their temperature unsupervised.
- Clean the thermometer before and after each use. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.
Taking temperature by mouth (oral temperature)
An oral (by mouth) temperature reading is usually the best way to measure temperature in children over the age of 4 or 5 years. Children should be old enough to understand and follow instructions.
- Wait at least 15 minutes after a hot or cold drink. Make sure your child’s mouth is clear of candy, gum, or food.
- Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue, toward the back of the mouth.
- Press lips together firmly. Do not bite the thermometer.
- Hold the thermometer in place until it beeps.
- Remove thermometer from the mouth, read and record the temperature.
Taking temperature under the arm (armpit or axillary temperature)
An axillary temperature is taken by placing the thermometer in the armpit. This method can be used for any age. However, an underarm temperature is not as reliable as other measures. Armpit temperatures are best thought of as a screen for fever, not an exact reading.
- Remove or adjust clothing so that the thermometer can be placed securely in the armpit.
- Place the tip of the thermometer high into the center of the armpit.
- Hold the thermometer in place with the arm at the side of the body.
- Leave the thermometer in place until it beeps.
- Remove thermometer, read and record the temperature.
Taking a forehead temperature using a temporal artery thermometer

Temperature can be taken using a thermometer that measures heat from the temporal artery. This artery runs across the forehead, just under the skin. A temporal artery thermometer can be used for any age. However, it may not be as reliable in infants younger than 3 months old. There are different types of forehead thermometers. Some devices work by moving the thermometer across the surface of the forehead. Other devices use a sensor that does not touch the forehead.
Taking temperature using an ear thermometer (tympanic thermometer)

Temperature can be taken using a tympanic thermometer which measures heat from the ear canal. However, this method is often not as reliable. The temperature reading can depend on the position of the thermometer. The shape of the ear canal and the presence of earwax can also affect the reading. Ear thermometers are not reliable in infants younger than 6 months old.

What is the best way to take a temperature?

An oral temperature is generally the most accurate way to check for fever. If a child is too young or has painful mouth sores, take the temperature under the arm.

Oral and underarm temperatures are the two methods recommended for most pediatric cancer patients. Talk to your doctor before using any other method, such as temporal artery (forehead) thermometer or tympanic (ear) thermometer, since they may be less accurate. Avoid pacifier thermometers and forehead strips. They do not give accurate readings.

IMPORTANT: Taking a temperature rectally (in the bottom) can be a risk for pediatric cancer patients. Cancer patients often have weakened immune systems. They may have rashes or sores around the anus and bottom. A rectal thermometer can damage the thin skin of the anal area and increase risk for infection. Rectal temperatures are not usually used to check for fever in children with cancer.

For infants and young children who do not have cancer and who are otherwise healthy, pediatricians may recommend a rectal temperature. Rectal thermometers often provide the most accurate reading of body temperature. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on how to measure fever.

How do I clean a digital thermometer?

Most thermometers can be cleaned using soap and water. You can also use rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) to wipe off the surface (rinse off before oral use). Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Do not boil or soak the thermometer in water. Do not clean in the dishwasher. Always follow the directions from the manufacturer.