Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal01:27

Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal

Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Temperature Measurement Sites01:14

Temperature Measurement Sites

A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature01:13

Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature

Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Assessing Body Temperature - Oral01:14

Assessing Body Temperature - Oral

Here are the steps to accurately measure oral temperature using an electronic thermometer:
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane01:14

Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane

Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla01:14

Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla

Procedural Guide for Assessing Axillary Body Temperature using a Digital Thermometer:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Is There Need for Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Patients with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency When Using High-Caloric Liquid Diets? Orientating Studies on Praecaecal Digestibility in Pigs with Experimentally Induced Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency and Ileocaecal Fistula.

Biomolecules·2025
Same author

Evidence against culling healthy badgers.

The Veterinary record·2025
Same author

Quantifying national burdens of foodborne disease-Four imperatives for global impact.

PLOS global public health·2025
Same author

Current bovine TB trends in England's High Risk Area.

The Veterinary record·2025
Same author

TB testing and transmission.

The Veterinary record·2024
Same author

Evaluation of taurine and carnitine concentrations in whole blood, plasma, skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle in dogs.

Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition·2024

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Using an Ingestible Telemetric Temperature Pill to Assess Gastrointestinal Temperature During Exercise
08:22

Using an Ingestible Telemetric Temperature Pill to Assess Gastrointestinal Temperature During Exercise

Published on: October 7, 2015

Factors affecting rectal temperature measurement using commonly available digital thermometers.

Jonathan M Naylor1, Renee M Streeter, Paul Torgerson

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. jnaylor@rossvet.edu.kn

Research in Veterinary Science
|December 15, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Accurate rectal temperature measurement in cattle requires proper digital thermometer use. Inserting the thermometer to the window and verifying its accuracy ensures reliable readings, crucial for physical examinations and experiments.

More Related Videos

Mouse Body Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Thermometer During Passive Systemic Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Evaluation
04:34

Mouse Body Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Thermometer During Passive Systemic Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Evaluation

Published on: September 14, 2018

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
06:43

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management

Published on: November 21, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Using an Ingestible Telemetric Temperature Pill to Assess Gastrointestinal Temperature During Exercise
08:22

Using an Ingestible Telemetric Temperature Pill to Assess Gastrointestinal Temperature During Exercise

Published on: October 7, 2015

Mouse Body Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Thermometer During Passive Systemic Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Evaluation
04:34

Mouse Body Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Thermometer During Passive Systemic Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Evaluation

Published on: September 14, 2018

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
06:43

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management

Published on: November 21, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Animal Physiology
  • Measurement Science

Background:

  • Rectal temperature measurement is vital for cattle examination and physiological studies.
  • Digital thermometers are commonly used by students, but their accuracy and proper usage require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the reliability of student-used digital thermometers for rectal temperature measurement in cattle.
  • To determine the impact of insertion technique on temperature readings.
  • To compare digital thermometer accuracy against a mercury reference thermometer.

Main Methods:

  • Students measured rectal temperatures using personal digital thermometers before and after specific training.
  • An experienced clinician used a mercury thermometer as a reference standard.
  • Digital thermometers were tested for accuracy in water baths against traceable standards.
  • The effect of insertion angle on digital thermometer readings was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Initial student measurements were significantly lower (0.5°C) than mercury thermometer readings.
  • After training on insertion technique, student digital thermometer readings increased, becoming closer to mercury thermometer values.
  • Water bath tests showed digital thermometers were accurate, with one exception; mercury thermometers were slightly higher than reference digital thermometers.
  • Insertion angle had a minimal effect (<0.1°C) on digital thermometer readings.

Conclusions:

  • Proper insertion of digital thermometers to the beginning of the window is critical for accurate cattle temperature measurement.
  • Periodic accuracy checks of digital thermometers are recommended.
  • Trained use and verification improve the reliability of digital thermometers in veterinary settings.