Diagnostic Tests for Hypothermia

Tests and diagnosis discussion for Hypothermia: To figure out whether someone is suffering from hypothermia, take his or her temperature with a thermometer. First shake the thermometer to below its lowest point. Then, if the temperature appears to be below 96° F (35.5° C) or it can’t be read on an oral thermometer, take the person’s temperature again using a rectal thermometer for a more exact reading. If the thermometer still does not show the temperature or is below 96 degrees F, call for emergency help. The only way to tell accurately if a person has hypothermia is to use a special thermometer that can read temperatures below 94° F (34° C). Most hospitals have these thermometers.¹

To figure out whether someone is suffering from hypothermia, take his or her temperature with a thermometer. First shake the thermometer to below its lowest point. Then, if the temperature appears to be below 96° F (35.5° C) or it can’t be read on an oral thermometer, take the person’s temperature again using a rectal thermometer for a more exact reading. If the thermometer still does not show the temperature or is below 96 degrees F, call for emergency help. The only way to tell accurately if a person has hypothermia is to use a special thermometer that can read temperatures below 94° F (34° C). Most hospitals have these thermometers.¹

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Accidental Hypothermia - Age Page - Health Information: NIA

Last revision: Oct 28, 2003

Medical Tools & Articles:

Next articles:

• Risk Factor Center
• Medical Statistics Center
• Medical Treatment Center
• Prevention Center
• Medical Tests Center

• Disease & Treatments Search
• Online Diagnosis
• Misdiagnosis Center
• Full list of interesting articles