Axillary and Tympanic Temperature Measurement in Children and Normal Values for Ages
Insights
This study establishes normal axillary and tympanic body temperature ranges for children. Fever is defined as over 37.0°C axillary or 37.8°C tympanic, with lower thresholds for infants 0-2 months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Thermometry
- Child Health
Background:
- Accurate body temperature measurement is crucial for pediatric health assessment.
- Establishing age-specific normal temperature ranges is essential for fever detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal tympanic and axillary body temperature values in healthy children.
- To define fever thresholds based on these normal values.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study involving 1364 healthy children aged 0-17 years.
- Axillary and tympanic body temperatures were recorded.
- Data analysis included calculating means, standard deviations, and percentiles.
Main Results:
- Mean axillary temperature was 36.04°C (99th percentile: 37.0°C).
- Mean tympanic temperature was 36.91°C (99th percentile: 37.8°C).
- Temperatures were higher in infants aged 0-2 months, with 99th percentiles of 37.5°C (axillary) and 37.85°C (tympanic).
Conclusions:
- Axillary temperatures >37.0°C and tympanic temperatures >37.8°C indicate fever in children.
- For infants 0-2 months, fever is indicated by axillary temperatures >37.5°C and tympanic temperatures >37.85°C.
Aim:
The aim of the study was define the normal values of tympanic and axillary body temperature in healthy children.
Methods:
This observational cross-sectional study was performed in healthy children aged 0 to 17 years who visited the ambulatory general pediatric of Istanbul Medical Faculty.
Results:
Of 1364 children, 651 (47.7%) were girls and 713 were boys, the mean (SD, range) age was 72.5 (53.6, 1-204) months. The mean (SD) axillary body temperature was 36.04°C (0.46°C; minimum, 35.0°C; maximum, 37.6°C). The 95th and 99th percentiles were 36.8°C and 37.0°C, respectively. The mean (SD) tympanic body temperature was 36.91°C (0.46°C; minimum, 35.15°C; maximum, 37.9°C). The 95th and 99th percentiles were 37.6°C and 37.8°C, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between sexes for only tympanic body temperatures. Both axillary and tympanic body temperatures were statistically higher in 0 to 2 months compared with other age groups. For this age group, the 99th percentile was 37.5°C for axillary and 37.85°C for tympanic temperature.
Conclusions:
Axillary and tympanic body temperatures should be considered as fever when they are more than 37.0°C and 37.8°C, respectively. For 0 to 2 months, fever is 37.5°C and 37.85°C in axillary and tympanic temperatures, respectively.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
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...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
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...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
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...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
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...
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
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,...