Step 1: After death the body cools (algor mortis), and serial temperature readings help estimate the time since death. The site chosen must reflect deep core temperature reliably.
Step 2: The rectum is the ideal and most commonly used site. The thermometer is inserted about 8 to 10 cm into the rectum and held in place for around 2 minutes, giving a stable deep body temperature.
Step 3: Other acceptable deep sites include the nose, the external auditory meatus of the ear, the vagina, and the sub-hepatic region (under the liver).
Step 4: The axilla, mouth, and groin are surface or shallow sites that are easily influenced by the surrounding environment and do not give a true core temperature, so they are not preferred for postmortem temperature recording.