The axillary, or underarm, method of temperature measurement offers a non-invasive way to screen for fever, making it a popular choice for monitoring body temperature, particularly in infants and young children. This technique is preferred for its convenience and minimal disturbance. While methods like rectal or oral measurements offer higher accuracy regarding core body temperature, the armpit method provides a simple, accessible reading for initial assessment.
Preparing for Axillary Measurement
Selecting the correct device is the first step in preparing for an underarm temperature reading. Digital thermometers are the preferred tool for axillary measurement due to their rapid results and safety profile. Glass thermometers containing mercury should be avoided because they pose a hazard if they break. The digital thermometer should be thoroughly cleaned with cool water and soap or rubbing alcohol before and after each use.
Proper preparation of the measurement site is necessary to ensure the skin temperature accurately reflects the body’s condition. The underarm area, known as the axilla, must be completely dry before placing the thermometer. Moisture from sweat or a recent bath can cause an artificially low reading. If the person has recently been bundled in blankets, exercised, or taken a hot bath, wait 20 to 30 minutes before taking the temperature to allow the skin to stabilize.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Taking Temperature
To begin the measurement, the thermometer must be placed directly against the skin, ensuring no clothing interferes with the contact. Position the tip high up into the center of the armpit, where the skin folds meet. This placement helps maximize contact with the body and minimize exposure to ambient air, which can skew the reading.
Once positioned, the arm must be held snugly against the body to keep the thermometer secure. For a child, this often means folding their arm across their chest until the measurement is complete. The duration depends on the device, but most modern digital thermometers signal with a beep when the reading is finished, usually within one minute.
After the thermometer signals completion, carefully remove it and record the temperature displayed on the screen immediately. Note the time of day the reading was taken, as body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout a 24-hour cycle. Following the measurement, clean the thermometer again for future use.
Understanding Axillary Temperature Readings
Axillary temperature is a surface measurement, making it less precise than internal readings taken rectally or orally. An underarm reading is typically 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.3 to 0.6 degrees Celsius) lower than an oral temperature. This difference occurs because the thermometer is only against the skin and not fully enclosed within a body cavity.
The accepted normal range for axillary temperature falls between 97.8°F to 99.5°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C). Because the method tends to under-read the true internal temperature, some healthcare providers suggest adding 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.3 to 0.6 degrees Celsius) to the axillary result to approximate the core body temperature. If this adjustment is made, it is important to communicate this calculation to a medical professional.
A reading of 99°F (37.2°C) or higher in the armpit indicates a fever, particularly in children. Despite its limitations in accuracy, the axillary method remains a simple, non-invasive way to screen for a temperature change. If the underarm reading is elevated, particularly in infants, a follow-up measurement using a more accurate method, such as rectal, may be recommended to confirm the presence and severity of the fever.
The axillary, or underarm, method offers a non-invasive way to screen for fever, making it a popular choice for monitoring body temperature, particularly in infants and young children. This technique is preferred for its convenience and minimal disturbance. While other methods like rectal or oral measurements offer higher accuracy, the armpit method provides a simple, accessible reading for initial assessment.
Preparing for Axillary Measurement
Selecting the correct device is the first step in preparing for an underarm temperature reading. Digital thermometers are the preferred tool for axillary measurement due to their rapid results and safety profile. Glass thermometers containing mercury should be avoided because they pose a hazard if they break. The digital thermometer should be thoroughly cleaned with cool water and soap or rubbing alcohol before and after each use.
Proper preparation of the measurement site is necessary. The underarm area, known as the axilla, must be completely dry before placing the thermometer. Moisture can cause an artificially low reading. If the person has recently been bundled, exercised, or taken a hot bath, wait 20 to 30 minutes before taking the temperature to allow the skin to stabilize.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Taking Temperature
To begin, the thermometer must be placed directly against the skin, ensuring no clothing interferes. Position the tip high up into the center of the armpit, where the skin folds meet. This placement maximizes contact with the body and minimizes exposure to ambient air, which can skew the reading.
Once positioned, the arm must be held snugly against the body to keep the thermometer secure. For a child, this means folding their arm across their chest until the measurement is complete. Most modern digital thermometers signal with a beep when the reading is finished, usually within one minute.
After the thermometer signals completion, carefully remove it and record the temperature immediately. Note the time of day the reading was taken, as body temperature naturally fluctuates. Clean the thermometer again for future use.
Understanding Axillary Temperature Readings
Axillary temperature is a surface measurement, making it less precise than internal readings taken rectally or orally. An underarm reading is typically 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.3 to 0.6 degrees Celsius) lower than an oral temperature. This difference occurs because the thermometer is only against the skin.
The accepted normal range for axillary temperature falls between 97.8°F to 99.5°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C). Healthcare providers suggest adding 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.3 to 0.6 degrees Celsius) to the axillary result to approximate the core body temperature. If this adjustment is used, communicate this calculation to a medical professional.
A reading of 99°F (37.2°C) or higher in the armpit indicates a fever, particularly in children. The axillary method remains a simple, non-invasive way to screen for a temperature change. If the underarm reading is elevated, a follow-up measurement using a more accurate method, such as rectal, may be recommended to confirm the fever.