The measurement of body temperature is an observation that can provide important physiological information. Core body temperature is maintained between 36 and 37 point five degrees Celsius and is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain. Any deviation from the normal range may indicate disease or infection, deterioration in condition, or reaction to treatment. There are several sites that may be used for measuring core body temperature including the ear, the mouth, the axilla and the rectum. In this film, we will demonstrate the use of a tympanic membrane thermometer in the ear. Tympanic membrane thermometers should not be used where there is trauma to the external ear, the patient has undergone surgery to the ear or surrounding area, or if the patient has signs of an ear infection. In these cases, the opposite side or an alternative route should be used to measure the temperature.
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