Regular digital thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature. Ear temperature measurement may be acceptable for observing trends in body temperature but is less useful in consistently identifying and diagnosing fever.
How To Use A Thermometer To Take Your Temperature
Types of body temperature measurement. The normal axillary temperature range is approximately between 347 c and 373 c. Until recently direct measurement of core body temperature required either indigestible or surgical insertion of a probe. It is an empirical scale that was developed by a historical progress which led to its zero point 0 c being defined by the freezing point of. Tools used to measure temperature. The clinical thermometers are used to measure the body temperature of the patient. The average normal oral temperature is 986f 37c.
Some of these instruments can be found at home. A rectal temperature is 05f 03c to 1f 06c higher than an oral temperature. These thermometers can be used in the rectum mouth or armpit. Body temperature is one of the four main vital signs that must be monitored to ensure safe and effective care. Temperature measurement is recommended by the national institute of clinical excellence a part of the initial assessment in acute illness in adults nice 2007 and by the scottish intercollegiate guidelines network guidelines for post operative management in adults sign. External temperature measurement has advanced in technology with the addition of sensor technologies increasing patient comfort improving accuracy and creating better tools for monitoring.
Temperature scales differ in two ways. The point chosen as zero degrees and the magnitudes of incremental units or degrees on the scale. Types of instruments used in measuring body temperatures. However the following general guidelines for temperature results are used. The exact relationship between different types of temperature measurement is unclear. Ear tympanic thermometers human ear is located near the brain.
The celsius scale c is used for common temperature measurements in most of the world. Rectal temperatures provide the best readings for infants especially those 3 months or younger as well as children up to age 3. This makes it an accurate point to measure the body temperature. However this is only possible up to a certain body mass and this type of measurement also takes a long time. However for those lacking this talent there are a variety of instruments at hand to help determine body temperature. There are again three types of clinical thermometers depending on the body part used to measure the temperature.
Armpit temperatures are usually the least accurate. The purpose of these devices is to measure your body temperature from a bit of a distance when sticking a thermometer in everyones mouths or rear ends would be impractical inappropriate and. In adult patients the temperature of an axillary measurement is lower than a rectal measurement up to 19 c.
Gallery of Types Of Body Temperature Measurement
