Do You Add a Degree to an Ear Thermometer?
Last Updated Apr 14, 2020 4:43:02 PM ET

About.com states that it is not necessary to add a degree to temperatures taken with ear or temporal thermometers. It's recommended to take a temperature two or three times and average the results when using ear or temporal thermometers.
WebMD explains that ear, or tympanic, temperatures and rectal temperatures typically run 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit higher than the oral temperature. Armpit, or axillary, temperatures and forehead, or temporal, temperatures are usually 0.5 to 1 degree lower than an oral temperature.
About.com suggests that rather than adding or subtracting degrees from a recorded temperature, it is best to report the actual thermometer reading to a doctor and tell him what type of thermometer was used.
More From Reference

What Are the Steps of Presidential Impeachment?

What Does George Soros' Open Society Foundations Network Fund?

The History of the United States' Golden Presidential Dollars

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed Schools and Education in Lasting Ways

Fact Check: Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?

How Does the 25th Amendment Work — and When Should It Be Enacted?