What are the different types of thermometers?
Do not use glass thermometers that contain mercury, this can break open. Mercury is a poisonous substance. Digital thermometers are used in the mouth, armpit, or rectum and are the most accurate type. Ear thermometers are also called tympanic thermometers. There are also contactless ones and temperature is assessed from the forehead.
How to clean?
The thermometer has to be cleaned before and after use. For the digital thermometer clean the thin end with the metal tip using alcohol or soap water. Rinse the end under cool water before using. Try not to wet the screen or the button. For the ear thermometer gently wipe the end that goes into the ear with a clean cloth. For the forehead thermometer wipe off the device with a damp cloth. Dry well before using.
How is an oral temperature taken?
Wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking. Digital thermometer readings are taken in a step-wise fashion. After cleaning, turn them on, place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue towards the back of the mouth, and close the lips. Keep the thermometer still till it beeps. This takes 30 seconds to 1 minute. When the thermometer beeps, read the temperature on the screen and note it down. Clean it after use.
How do I take rectal temperature?
In this lower part of the intestine, the temperature is recorded in unconscious individuals or very young individuals. After cleaning and turning on the thermometer, put a water-based lubricant on the tip of the device, KY jelly or petroleum jelly. Spread the buttocks with one hand, and insert the tip of the thermometer into the rectum up to 1/2 to 1 inch only. Do not force in. Hold the device in place by pressing the buttocks together. Keep the thermometer till it beeps. Read the temperature and clean the thermometer.
How to take armpit temperature?
Clean the digital thermometer, and turn it on. Dry the armpit.. Put the tip of the device in the centre of the dry armpit. Gently press the arm against the body. After the thermometer beeps, take the temperature The armpit temperature reading can be lower than the mouth readings. Clean the thermometer.
How to take forehead temperature?
Make sure that the forehead is dry. Clean the thermometer. If it is a contactless thermometer, it is important to hold it at the right distance from the forehead.
How to know that the thermometer readings are accurate?
Certain activities can slightly raise the body temperature. These include wearing a lot of layers or if wrapped tightly in a blanket. Being in a warm room. Increased physical activity. Using a hot water bottle. Eating warm foods or eating hot foods. It is better to wait till any of these things settle down.
When to go to your doctor?
If you have a fever, and you are pregnant or had recent surgery or discharge from a hospital, if you get infections often, are on chemotherapy, are on steroids or immunosuppressants, have a fever lasting for several days, have recently bitten by insects, have a medical condition like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, sickle cell disease or lupus, then you should take help from your doctor.
