The Correct Way to Measure a Fever
July 09, 2017
Dr. Piyarat explains how to accurately measure your child’s temperature and which methods work best according to age.By Piyarat Lertbunnaphong, M.D.
Parents have probably encountered the problem of their child’s temperature being different each time it’s measured. This might be because it’s being done incorrectly, so let’s have a look at the different ways of measuring a child’s temperature, and find the technique that you should use in order to get the most accurate result.Measuring under the armpit
This is suitable for children of all ages, but you have to make sure that the mercury tip of the thermometer is under the armpit, and is left there for 2-3 minutes in order to obtain an accurate result. This is an easy and convenient method, but can sometimes take a long time if the child fidgets, which may move the mercury tip, increasing the chance of an inaccurate result.Measuring in the mouth
This is only suitable for children aged 5 years and older, because children under 5 might not be able to position the thermometer in their mouth correctly and bite it instead. They should place it under their tongue because there are many blood vessels there, giving a more accurate reading. Place the thermometer in their mouth for three minutes and ask the child to breath through their nose. The child should also avoid drinking anything hot or cold for 15 minutes before having their temperature taken in this way.Measuring in the ear
This is suitable for children aged 3 months and older, because the ear canal is large enough for infrared light to reach the ear’s membrane. It doesn’t take long, only 2-3 seconds, and the measurement is quite accurate. Whilst measuring, pull the rear of the ear slightly back in order to straighten it. You should measure the temperature at least twice in order to get the most accurate reading. There might be a discrepancy in the measurement if a child has too much earwax, or the child is too small, as the ear canal will also be very small.Measuring in the anus
This method will achieve the most accurate measurement, and is suitable for children under 1 year old. Put Vaseline on the mercury tip and place it about one inch (2.5cm) into the anus, leaving it there for two minutes. You must keep a tight hold of the thermometer to make sure that it doesn’t go too far in. You can do this with the child lying face down, or on their side. If you don’t do this properly, it can cause injury.Measuring on the skin
This is done by using a skin thermometer, and is suitable for children of all ages, but you must check to see if there is any sweat first. If the skin is clean and dry, stick the thermometer to the forehead for about 15 seconds, until the digital reading is visible. The problem with this method is that there can easily be a discrepancy in temperature readings.Types of thermometers
There are currently many different types of thermometers in use, such as:- Glass thermometer: This breaks easily and contains silver mercury. You have to make sure that the mercury is at 35 degrees Celsius, and it can be difficult to read.
- Digital thermometer: This is very convenient and gives a warning sound once the temperature is constant. It’s easy to read but is expensive. It’s easily broken if dropped or comes in contact with water.
About the Author
Dr. Piyarat is a Pediatric-Endocrinologist. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital with a medical degree and is certified by the Thai Board of Pediatrics and Thai Sub-Board of Pediatric-Endocrinology and Metabolism. She works at Samitivej Children’s Hospital (Sukhumvit).The views expressed in the articles in this magazine are not necessarily those of BAMBI committee members and we assume no responsibility for them or their effects.BAMBI News welcomes volunteer contributors to our magazine. Please contact editor@bambiweb.org.