Do You Add a Degree Under the Arm?

Q: How many degrees do you add when you take a temperature under the arm? ... Axillary, or armpit temperature is the least accurate of the three. An armpit temperature is generally 1 degree lower than an oral temperature. It can be nearly 2 degrees lower than a rectal temperature, which is the most accurate.

Should you add a degree under the arm?

Should I add a degree to oral (under the tongue) and axillary (under the arm) readings? Yes, for the most accuracy. Rectal temperatures are considered most accurate indication of the body's temperature. Oral and axillary temperature readings are about ½° to 1°F (.

Do you add a degree to underarm temperature?

An armpit (axillary) temperature is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature.