Butt Temperature More Accurate Than Mouth, Measurement Study

With the flu season approaching, knowing where to stick the thermometer can be life-saving. Though it may not be comfortable, taking temperature readings from the rectum should be preferred over taking readings from the mouth, a new study suggests.

Measuring body temperature is the first step in many medical diagnoses, with peripheral measurement being the most common method; measurement is done by placing a thermometer in the ear, mouth, under the arm mainly for children. For more accurate readings, physicians have historically used vaginal or rectal measurements for accurate readings.

According to UPI, the study found that measurement of temperature from urinary bladder, artery catheter or rectum is more accurate compared to peripheral measurements. Any medical decision that is to be taken after considering core temperature should not be made based on the peripheral measurement, the study suggested.

Researchers analyzed 75 studies comprising 8,682 patients. Researchers found that peripheral measurement was not within acceptable accuracy range for patients with fever or hypothermia. While it may be uncomfortable to take, a temperature reading from outside or on the body has been known to vary from the body's core temperature.

"Peripheral thermometers do not have clinically acceptable accuracy and should not be used when accurate measurement of body temperature will influence clinical decisions," researchers wrote.