When measuring temperature using a glass thermometer in the axilla, how long should it be kept there?

When measuring temperature in the axilla with a glass thermometer, it is important to allow sufficient time for an accurate reading to ensure that the thermometer has stabilized and can provide a reliable measurement. Keeping the thermometer in place for 8-11 minutes is considered appropriate for axillary measurements because the axilla is not as conducive to heat retention as other sites like the oral cavity or rectum.

A longer duration allows the thermometer to pick up the core temperature accurately through the skin and tissues of the armpit. Shorter time frames may result in a reading that is not fully representative of the individual’s true body temperature. Thus, the 8-11 minute interval aligns with clinical guidelines for temperature measurement in this location, ensuring the reading reflects a more accurate assessment of the patient’s thermal state.