Equipment - Traditional mercury-filled or digital thermometer

Testing procedures

1. Axillary temperature can be taken by placing a thermometer in the axillary region.
2. Keep the patient’s arm adducted for 3 minutes if using a traditional mercury-filled thermometer or until the digital beep sounds if using a digital device.
3. Document your findings.

Clinical notes

• The axillary method is used most often with pediatric patients.
• Axillary temperature values tend to be 0.3 to 0.4 °F lower than those temperatures taken orally.
• Most experts agree that this method of taking temperature is the least accurate.