The tastes differ. An oral thermometer has a longer slender end that's inserted (into the mouth), compared to a rectal thermometer that has a short bulbous end inserted (into the rectum). The bulb reduces the chance of tearing the rectal wall, especially in infants. Some digital models have a setting for rectal vs. oral on the unit. The rectal temperature is known to be a little warmer and more accurate to body temperature. If you still have a glass and Mercury thermometer, be aware that mercury is a deadly toxin, and consider replacing the thermometer with a digital model.
The tastes differ. An oral thermometer has a longer slender end that's inserted (into the mouth), compared to a rectal thermometer that has a short bulbous end inserted (into the rectum). The bulb reduces the chance of tearing the rectal wall, especially in infants. Some digital models have a setting for rectal vs. oral on the unit. The rectal temperature is known to be a little warmer and more accurate to body temperature. If you still have a glass and Mercury thermometer, be aware that mercury is a deadly toxin, and consider replacing the thermometer with a digital model.
No, a rectal thermometer reading is typically about 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit higher than an oral thermometer reading. So a rectal thermometer reading of 101 degrees would roughly correspond to an oral thermometer reading of 100-100.5 degrees. It's important to use the same type of thermometer for consistent readings.
oral thermometer rectal thermometer aural thermometer feeling the forehead with your hand
for safety
Oral method: placing a thermometer under the tongue. Axillary method: placing a thermometer in the armpit. Tympanic method: using an ear thermometer to measure temperature in the ear canal. Rectal method: inserting a thermometer into the rectum for a core body temperature reading.
An oral thermometer is used for in the mouth and usually under the tongue. A rectal thermometer is used for taking your temperature from your rectum/bottom. They will be label in your grocery store or pharmacy whether there intended for your mouth or rectum.
For children under three years a rectal thermometer is recommended by medical professionals - whereas after three years using an oral thermometer is safe.
#1: Inserting a rectal thermometer into the mouth #2 Inserting an oral thermometer into the rectum #3 Not thoroughly cleansing the thermometers after each use
Rectal is more accurate because it takes the core body temperature.
The three main types of thermometers are liquid-filled thermometers (mercury or alcohol), digital thermometers, and infrared thermometers. Each type measures temperature differently but all provide accurate readings.
Rectal is usually .5c above oral, with under arms being .5c below oral Remember 37C is just an average for oral temp and can change through out the day as well
The fixed error on a non-digital thermometer is 0.5oC. The percentage error is worked out by dividing 50 by the reading you have taken from the thermometer.