Discussion

The average normal human oral temperature is 36.9°C.

In general, for the same individual:

• Axilla (armpit) temperature is usually (0.3°C) to (0.6°C) LOWER than an oral temperature.
• Oral temperature is about (0.3°C) to (0.6°C) LOWER than a rectal or ear (tympanic) temperature.
• Conversely, Tympanic (ear) and Rectal temperatures are (0.3°C) to (0.6°C) HIGHER than oral temperature.
  

The following table shows the "normal ranges" for human temperature taken using different routes as reported by Sund-Levander M, Forsberg C, Wahren LK.:

While debate remains as to whether "core body temperature" taken using the rectal route best reflect the body's "true" internal temperature, factors like:

• embarrassment to the patient,
• inconvenience to the patient and the nurse,
• ease of use for the nurse,
• expediency and
• speed & accuracy in obtaining temperature readings, etc
  

all mean that tympanic thermometers are favoured in adult wards as the temperature can be obtained in ONE second instead of waiting for a minute or even longer for an electronic oral thermometer.

However, axilla termperature is taken using electronic thermometers for children under 6 months in pediatric wards since their ear canals are still not large enough to accomodate a regular tympanic thermometer.