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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > General Health Questions > Rectal vs. Oral Themometers
Posted on: 12/15/2002
Question
Dear Dr, Im a 13 yr old boy and want to know if the ear themometers that one can get for home is as good as doctors have at there office? My Stepmom says she dont think they are acurte. I have been sick some this last few months on and off, and she says i sometimes cant keep my mouth closed over the themometer ,and I had a bad cold and stuffy nose. When she takes it oraly, and it reads low, she then if she doesnt think its a true reading, used the recdtal themometer on me, I have tolerated this now several times, but i try and tell her I dont think its nesesarry. or is she right? she says taking my temp in my rectum is more acurate. Im really embarassed about this.
Answer
We are finding the ear themometers quite accurate after 1 year of life. I agree with your grandmother that rectal temps are very accurate but by age 13 they are too embarrassing and not necessary. An under-the-arm reading can also be used with an oral thermometer but you must add almost a degree to make it equal an oral reading (ear is the same as oral and rectal is a degree high.)