Normal Body Temperatures by Patient Age
Site
0 - 2 Years 3- 10 Years 11 - 65 Years Over 65
Ear
36.3 - 38˚C 36.1 - 37.7˚C 35.8 - 37.6˚C 35.7 - 37.5˚C
Oral
35.3 - 37.5˚C 36.7 - 37.8˚C 35.7 - 36.9˚C
Axilla (armpit) 34.7 - 37.2˚C 35.8 - 36.6˚C 35.1 - 36.8˚C 35.5 - 36.3˚C
Rectal 36.6 - 38˚C 36.5 - 38˚C 37 - 38.1˚C 36.1 - 37.3˚C
Body Core 36.3 - 37.7˚C 36.3 - 37.7˚C 36.7 - 37.8˚C 35.8 - 37.1˚C
BODY TEMPERATURE
It is important to recognise that a ‘
normal’
body temperature is a
‘
range
’ of temperatures that vary with the patient’s age and the
measurement site. Therefore, measurements from different sites
should not be directly compared, even if taken at the same time.
Normal Body Ranges by Site
Ear
35.7 - 37.9˚C
Oral
35.5 - 37.5˚C
Axilla (armpit) 34.7 - 37.3˚C
Rectal
36.2 - 38˚C
The normal temperature range of a person tends to decrease with
age. The table below demonstrates the range of normal body
temperatures corresponding with age, at the different measurement
sites.
The range of
‘
normal’
differs between people and is influenced by
many things such as activity, time of the day, age, stress, medical
condition and gender.
Always try to take temperatures from the same ear and wait at
least two minutes between assessments. ( Repeatedly inserting a
probe at room temperature into a patient’s ear will cause the ear to
cool down resulting in lower readings).
Be aware of temperature variations between different ears, especially
if the temperature is not within the patient’s clinical profile. Record
which ear is used to take the assessment.
4
!
Numerous clinical studies have recognised that the ear
is an excellent site for temperature measurement as it reflects
the body’s true core temperature. Human body temperature is
regulated by the Hypothalamus in the brain which shares the
same blood supply as the Tympanic Membrane (ear drum).
Variations in the core body temperature can usually be observed
more quickly at the tympanic membrane than at other sites, such
as the mouth (oral), under arm (axilla), or the Rectum.
•
It is the ideal place for the temperature measurement of babies
over 3 months, children, and the elderly.
•
The Zeal thermometer will give an accurate, reading in
approximately 1 second.
•
It is easy and convenient to use in the ear canal.
•
The “hands free” probe cover application and removal will help
to avoid cross infections (HAI’s).
5
WHY MEASURE TEMPERATURE FROM THE EAR ?
The Clinicians choice
ZEAL
THE GOLD STANDARD SINCE 1888
