What is the normal rectal temperature for a healthy individual?

The normal rectal temperature for a healthy individual typically ranges from 98.6 °F (37 °C) to 100.4 °F (38 °C), with 99.6 °F (37.6 °C) being the average. Rectal temperature is considered one of the most accurate ways to measure core body temperature, as it reflects a person's internal temperature more closely than other methods such as oral or axillary measurements.

While 98.6 °F is often cited as the standard average body temperature, it represents more of a general guideline and varies by individual, time of day, and the specific method of measurement used. As we look at other alternatives, 97.6 °F is below the expected normal range for rectal temperature, while 100.4 °F indicates a fever, which is not representative of a normal, healthy individual's temperature. Thus, the range including 99.6 °F fits well within the expected normal values for rectal temperatures in healthy adults.