Epic Fail

EPIC Fail, They were Rectal Thermometers

What is Rectal Thermometers

A rectal thermometer is one means of taking body temperature. It is usually thought to give an extremely accurate reading, but since it is inserted into the anus, not all people prefer this method of taking temperatures. Most often it’s used on children, especially infants, and it has significant use when assessing animal temperatures, because animals generally can’t hold a thermometer in their mouths. Babies fall into this class too, though squeamish parents can take an axillary temperature (in the armpit) or use ear or forehead temperatures if they prefer to avoid the rectal thermometer.

Up until recently, most rectal thermometers were made of glass and contained mercury. These are now considered unsafe for use, and old ones should be discarded. People can find other newer and safer rectal thermometer types including digital ones, or plastic ones. Given where this thermometer rests when taking a temperature, most doctors recommend that it be reserved only for rectal use. People might consider buying a separate thermometer for oral and axillary use.

The basic means of taking the rectal temperature is to first thoroughly wash the thermometer in warm and soapy water. If the reading is not digital, the thermometer should be shaken down so the reading is well below 98 degrees F (36.67 degrees C). The thermometer should not be inserted into the rectum without receiving lubricant first. Some people recommend petroleum jelly and others suggest water-based lubricants like K-Y Jelly®.

The person having his temperature taken with a rectal thermometer is most comfortable lying on the stomach, though sometimes people can take the temperature with babies if they lift up the legs while the baby lies on his back. Thermometer should be inserted to about half its length; there may be a guide marking for insertion. Standard plastic or glass thermometers without a digital reading usually take two minutes to work and for temperature reading to be accurate.

If people are used to oral temperature readings, an initial rectal read may suggest a person has a fever. This may not be the case. Rectal readings are almost a degree higher than oral readings, and two degrees higher than axillary readings. A normal rectal temperature is approximately 99.6 degrees F (37.56 degrees C). Higher readings begin to suggest presence of fever.

There is one more step to taking the temperature. People should thoroughly clean the rectal thermometer and wipe it down with alcohol to make certain no germs from the rectum remain on it. Essentially, washing the thermometer before and after use is good sanitary practice.

As mentioned, there are alternatives to the rectal thermometer for those who prefer not to use them. Temperature-takers that fit in the ear have been popular for many years, and new thermometer types like plastic strips that sit on the forehead and take a reading are being developed all the time. Some people prefer the classics, though, and rely on the accuracy of temperatures taken rectally.