23 октября 2021
What Is the Right Way To Take a Person’s Temperature?


23 октября 2021
What Is the Right Way To Take a Person’s Temperature?
## Digital thermometer
Many people use digital thermometers because they are the easiest to handle and among the most effective.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using a digital thermometer:
- Avoid food and drink for 10 minutes before taking the temperature
- Make sure the thermometer is clean
- Keep it in the mouth for 60 seconds, until it beeps
- After using it, run the thermometer under warm water to clean it
> When choosing a digital thermometer, choose a model with a flexible tip!
Digital thermometers are the fastest, so they are especially handy for use with children who may have trouble sitting still. There are contact and non-contact thermometers. Both will give you the results within seconds. The measurement error can indeed reach 2–3 tenths of a degree. In addition, several factors can affect the reliability of indicators. However, digital thermometers are the most reliable method available.
## Mercury thermometer
The least used device for measuring body temperature is the mercury thermometer. Often their temperature is measured under the tongue, but also armpit, ear and rectum.
To get the correct data, keep in mind — immediately before measuring your body temperature you should not exercise, take hot showers, drink hot drinks or walk in the heat. All of these things increase your body temperature. By the way, this rule applies to all kinds of devices.
Some more rules to follow (armpit measurement):
- The armpit should be dry
- The tip of the thermometer should be placed at the deepest point of the axilla and all sides in contact with the skin
- The hand should be pressed firmly against the body
- The measurement time is 10 minutes
Please, keep in mind that mercury thermometers are banned for sale in nearly 20 states. For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/mercury/mercury-thermometers