RÉSUMÉ
The relationship between the oral temperature (OT) and the axillary temperature (AT) is not clearly established. The measurement of the OT could be an unhygienic procedure. Therefore, a study was done to determine the nature of relationship between OT and AT and whether AT could be used in place of OT. The OT and AT were measured in a group of children with OT's ranging from 97 degrees F (36 degrees C) to 105 degrees F (40.5 degrees C). The average difference of OT minus AT was statistically determined to be 0.3 degrees F (0.15 degrees C) throughout the range of temperatures tested. The correlation (r) between OT and AT was 0.99 (p less than 0.001). The AT is recommended as a reliable measure to be used in routine assessment of body temperature.