Body Temperature

Temperature Measurement

What Affects the Test

Inaccurate temperature readings can be caused by:

• Not keeping your mouth closed around the thermometer when taking an oral temperature.
• Not leaving a thermometer in place long enough before reading it.
• Not putting the proper thermometer in the right place.
• Not following the instructions for proper use that come with the thermometer.
• A weak or dead thermometer battery.
• Taking an oral temperature within 20 minutes after smoking or drinking a hot or cold liquid.
• Taking a temperature by any method within an hour of exercising vigorously or taking a hot bath.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: February 20, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
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