The body temperature gives us the first sign of something occurring wrong inside our body.
Body temperature is measured at three places: by putting the thermometer inside the mouth- under the tongue, placing the thermometer in the armpit and third in the rectal area.
Key Takeaways
- Axillary temperature measurements are taken under the armpit, while oral temperature measurements are taken in the mouth.
- Oral temperature readings are more accurate than axillary readings, as they better reflect core body temperature.
- Axillary temperature measurement is safer and more comfortable, especially for infants and young children.
Axillary vs Oral Temperature
Axillary temperature is used to describe the measurement of body temperature taken under the armpit. Axillary temperature is considered less accurate. Oral temperature is used to describe the measurement of body temperature taken by placing a thermometer under the tongue.
The procedure of calculating temperature is called axillary temperature when the body temperature is measured by maintaining or placing the thermometer under the armpit of an individual.
Axillary temperature is not a reliable indicator of a person’s current body temperature. However, it shows a reading that is one unit below the actual body temperature.
The procedure of calculating temperature is called oral temperature, when the temperature of the body is measured by placing the thermometer in the mouth or, to be more accurate, under the tongue.
The true temperature is the temperature determined for the body at a specific time; it never varies from the genuine body temperature.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Axillary Temperature | Oral Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Measured in | Under the tongue, inside the mouth | Under the armpit |
| Accuracy | Less accurate | More accurate |
| For kids/infants | Better for kids and infants | It might be too dangerous for infants and kids, suitable for grown-ups. |
| Calculation | Real body temperature can be obtained by adding 1 to the axillary temperature. | Oral Temperature is equal to the real body temperature. |
| Cleaning and sanitizing | Not required. | Highly recommended, required. |
What is Axillary Temperature?
The procedure of calculating temperature is called axillary temperature, when the temperature of the body is measured by maintaining or placing the thermometer under the armpit of an individual.
Axillary temperature is not a reliable indicator of the body’s real temperature at any given moment. However, it indicates a reading that is one unit lower than the real body temperature.
When measuring the body temperature using the axillary temperature, one must add a unit value to the axillary temperature to determine the precise body temperature.
The axillary temperature obtained may not be completely accurate due to a quick change or vibration in the thermometer. The thermometer does not need to be washed, cleaned, or sanitised before measuring axillary temperature.
The axillary temperature may be a preferable alternative in the case of newborns. If the axillary temperature is 98.6°F, the actual body temperature is 99.6°F at that location.
What is Oral Temperature?
The procedure of calculating temperature is called oral temperature, when the temperature of the body is measured by placing the thermometer in the mouth or under the tongue, to be precise.
The genuine temperature is the temperature calculated of the body at a specific time; it never varies from the real body temperature.
No addition or subtraction to the numeric value of the temperature is required because the oral temperature obtained gives the true body temperature.
The oral temperature, taken from the mouth’s inside, is very accurate. To ensure that the thermometer is clean before placing it in the mouth to measure oral temperature, it should be washed or boiled.
A tiny child’s oral temperature should not be taken since it is extremely risky if they do not sit calmly. If the oral temperature is 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit, then the actual body temperature is also 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Main Differences Between Axillary and Oral Temperature
- When the body’s temperature is measured by keeping or placing the thermometer under an individual’s armpit, then this temperature calculation process is called axillary temperature. On the other hand, when the temperature of the body is measured by placing the thermometer in the mouth or under the tongue, to be precise, then this temperature calculation process is called oral temperature.
- Axillary temperature is not the correct measure of the body’s actual temperature at a particular time. However, it shows one unit value less than the actual body temperature. On the other hand, the temperature calculated of the body at a particular time is considered the real temperature. It never fluctuates from the real body temperature.
- To know what is the exact body temperature while measuring the body temperature by the axillary temperature, one needs to add a unit value to the axillary temperature. On the other hand, the oral temperature acquired gives the real temperature of the body. Hence no addition or subtraction to the numeric value of the temperature is required.
- Sometimes due to a sudden change or vibration in the thermometer, the axillary temperature acquired may not be fully accurate. On the other hand, the oral temperature measured from the mouth gives an almost accurate temperature.
- To measure axillary temperature, washing, cleaning or sanitizing the thermometer is not required. On the other hand, before placing the thermometer in the mouth to measure oral temperature, it should be washed or boiled to make sure that it’s clean.
- In the case of infants, Axillary temperature can be a better option. On the other hand, the oral temperature should not be measured with a small kid, in fact, as it can be too dangerous if they don’t sit calmly.
- If the axillary temperature came out to be 98.6°F, then the actual body temperature at that point is 99.6°F. On the other hand, if the oral temperature measurement comes out to be 99.6°F, then the actual body temperature is also the same, that is, 99.6°F.
- https://europepmc.org/article/med/11198790
- https://meridian.allenpress.com/jat/article-abstract/46/5/566/110675
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The explanation between axillary and oral temperature is very detailed and clear. The comparison between them is very helpful.
I completely agree! It’s very informative and useful.
The article presents valuable insights into axillary and oral temperature measurement. Great resource for understanding the differences between the two methods.
I agree, it’s a very informative piece.
Absolutely, the clarity of the explanation is commendable.
The article effectively explains the procedure for calculating axillary and oral temperature. Clear and well-written.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of axillary and oral temperature measurement. I am impressed by the level of detail and accuracy.
I couldn’t agree more, it’s a very insightful read.
Absolutely, the comparison table is especially helpful for understanding the differences.
The content provides a thorough analysis, but there is a lack of emphasis on the potential drawbacks of axillary and oral temperature measurement.
I agree, a critical perspective on the drawbacks should be included for a more well-rounded view.
I see your point. It would be beneficial to include more discussion on the limitations of these methods.
Although the article is well-researched, I find the comical undertone to be somewhat unprofessional.
I understand your point, perhaps a more serious tone would be preferable for this subject matter.
The article takes an ironic approach to the significance of axillary and oral temperature measurement. An interesting and informative read.
I see your perspective, it does provide a unique approach to the topic.
I found the tone to be quite engaging, adds a touch of humor to the discussion.
The article makes a compelling argument for the differences between axillary and oral temperature measurement. A very educational read.
I found it to be a very insightful analysis.
Indeed, it’s quite thought-provoking.