Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Fever measurement of body temperature in fever
Introduction
Measurement of Body Temperature in Fever
Measurement of Body Temperature in Fever
When a patient has or is suspected of having a fever, that person’s body temperature is measured using thermometer. At a first glance, fever is present if:
- Temperature in the anus (rectum/rectal) or in the ear (otic) is at or over 38.0°C (100.4°F)
- Temperature in the mouth (oral) is at or over 37.5°C (99.5°F)
- Temperature under the arm (axillary) is at or over 37.2°C (99.0°F)
Mother’s touch can diagnose fever among children according to a systematic review.[1] The sensitivity was 89% and specificity was 50%.
References
References
- ↑ Teng CL, Ng CJ, Nik-Sherina H, Zailinawati AH, Tong SF (2008). “The accuracy of mother’s touch to detect fever in children: a systematic review”. J. Trop. Pediatr. 54 (1): 70–3. doi:10.1093/tropej/fmm077. PMID 18039678.
[Category:Emergency medicine]]
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]