What is the normal range for adult body temperature?

The normal range for adult body temperature being 97°F (36.1°C) to 100.4°F (38°C) reflects what is widely accepted in medical literature and practice. This range takes into account the variations that can occur due to factors such as time of day, the individual's activity level, and the method of measurement (oral, rectal, etc.).

The lower limit of 97°F (36.1°C) indicates that a body temperature below this level is generally considered lower than normal and could be indicative of a medical issue such as hypothermia, especially if it falls significantly below this threshold. The upper limit of 100.4°F (38°C) marks a generally accepted cut-off for fever in adults, signaling that the body's temperature regulation is responding to an infection or other inflammatory process.

This range is clinically significant since it helps healthcare professionals assess a patient’s health and make informed decisions regarding further evaluation or treatment. Understanding this normal temperature range is essential for properly measuring and interpreting temperatures during patient care.