Help! Quick question regarding ear thermometers.

[McKelly]

Are they accurate, or do you have to add or minus a degree? Thanks in advance!

 

[becka]

I dont' think you really have to add/subtract a degree but I have not found mine to be very reliable. I usually use it just to get a guage on a general number and then if it is higher that I expect I follow up with an auxillary temp.

 

[HayGan]

They certainly aren't the most reliable way to measure. If it is reading high, I would suggest testing another (more reliable) way.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

I have always found that they register too high.

 

[luvmydogs]

My ds10 was hospitalized with bacterial meningitis when he was three, and running a rectal temp. of 105-106. They'd only take his temp rectally because they needed the accuracy. When they'd do it orally or in his ear, they'd add a degree, when done under his arm, they'd add 2 degrees. That was nearly seven years ago, so I don't know if ear thermometers have become more sensitive; but at the hospital, they never really regarded them as accurate as rectal temps.

 

[McKelly]

Thanks everybody! I guess I will run out and get a rectal thermometer, I can't find mine!!