Normal Body Temp Ranges - Welch Allyn

°F
Oral
Rectal
Axillary
Ear
94.5
0 - 2 years 3 - 10 years 11 - 65 years > 65 years
— 95.9 99.5 97.6 99.6 96.4 98.5
97.9
97.5
100.4
99.1
100.4
Core 97.5 100.0
Normal Body Temperature Ranges
97.9 100.4 98.6 100.6
96.6 98.0 95.3 98.4 96.0 97.4
97.0 100.0 96.6 99.7 96.4 99.5
97.5 100.0 98.2 100.2 96.6 98.8
Normal body temperature is a range. This table shows that normal
temperatures vary by site. Therefore, readings from different sites,
even if taken at the same time, should not be directly compared.
97.1
References are located in the Operators Manual
99.2

Normal Body Temperature Ranges
Normal body temperature in a healthy person is a range that
fluctuates throughout the day. Body temperature can vary
as much as 1.0°F to 2.0°F (0.5°C to 1.0°C) and is lowest in
the morning (2-4 AM) while resting and is warmest in the
afternoon (4-6 PM) while active.
Up to 5% of the population has a body temperature that
falls outside of the normal range. Body temperature
variation is the result of an individual's metabolic rate.
Slower equals cooler and faster means higher normal body
temperature. Metabolic rate is determined by factors such
as genetic makeup, life style, age, and environment.
Body temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus, which
continuously adjusts temperature to stay within a set range
of normal in the absence of illness.
Fever is defined as a temperature above an individual's
normal range. Fever occurs from an infection or
inflammation or can also be caused by non-infectious
illnesses such as stroke, blood clots, or gout attacks.
Different sites equal different temperatures:
❖ Rectal temperature is typically higher than Core
❖ Core is typically higher than Oral
❖ Oral is typically higher than Axillary
Should I add/subtract a degree?
This question can only be answered based on the policy of
your individual institution. The SureTemp® Plus will
accurately predict the temperature of the site where the
probe is placed. No internal offsets are utilized to adjust any
temperature to an oral equivalent. Many facilities simply
report a temperature along with the site used.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
For technical or clinical support,
please contact Welch Allyn at
(800) 535-6663.
www.welchallyn.com
© 2003
All
Welch
rights
Allyn,
reserved
Inc.
Reorder # SM2556 Rev. A

Ear Temperatures Taken with the Braun ThermoScan ® Thermometer
For Accurate Ear Temperatures, observe the following:
1. For children under 1 year, pull ear straight back. For all other ages, pull ear
up and back. This will straighten the ear canal and give the thermometer a
clear view of the tympanic membrane.
2. Apply probe cover. Use ONLY Braun ThermoScan probe covers.
3. After placing probe tip in ear, hold “activation” key down until you hear a
beep.
4. Keep probe lens clean. Dirt and ear wax on the lens will affect the accuracy
of readings. To clean, wipe with alcohol swab and let dry for 5 minutes.
5. Press “mem” key to recall last temperature.
6. Press and hold “mem” key, press “activation” key twice to convert degrees F to
degrees C.
The following may interfere with
accurate reading:
❖ Ambient temperature
❖ Dirty or chipped lens
❖ Lying on pillow
❖ Hearing aid
The following will not interfere with
accurate reading:
❖ Cerumen
❖ Otitis media
❖ Tympanostomy tubes
CUSTOMER SERVICE
For customer service, technical or
clinical support, please contact
Welch Allyn at (800) 535-6663.
www.welchallyn.com
© 2001 Welch Allyn, Inc.
All rights reserved
Reorder # SM2394