How to measure temperature with a non-contact, mercury-free or electronic thermometer? How to measure the temperature on the forehead, armpit, ear or anus? What is the measurement time? It depends on the type of thermometer. It is also worth knowing that the correct temperature values will vary depending on the place of measurement, as well as age (they will be different in infants, older children and adults). Check how to measure temperature correctly.
Contents:
- How to take the temperature in the armpit, mouth, ear or anus?
- How to measure temperature with a non-contact forehead thermometer?
- How to measure temperature with a mercury thermometer?
- How to measure temperature with an electronic thermometer?
- How to take your baby's temperature?
How to measure temperaturewith a contactless, mercury-free or electronic thermometer? How to measure the temperature on the forehead, armpit, ear or anus? What is the measurement time? The temperature measurement time depends on the type of thermometer. The longest body temperature is measured with a mercury thermometer, shorter - with an electronic thermometer, the shortest - with a non-contact thermometer. In addition, the correct temperature values will vary depending on the place of measurement and also the age (they will be different for infants, older children and adults).
Differences in human temperature readings depend on the place of measurement. The discrepancies between the results may, in extreme cases, exceed 1 degree.
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How to take the temperature in the armpit, mouth, ear or anus?
- take the temperature under the armpit- the thermometer should be placed under the armpit. The tip of the thermometer should fit snugly and directly against the skin of the armpit. The thermometer should be pressed with the arm during the whole measurement.
Normal temperature in the armpit is 35.5-37 ° C. In young children, the normal temperature in the groin is 36.4 ° C.
- measuring the temperature in the mouth- before the measurement, the thermometer should be decontaminated with salicylic alcohol or drinking alcohol and rinsed with water. Put the tip deep under the tongue and measure the temperature with your mouth closed, being careful not to bite the thermometer
In infants and young children, the w thermometer can be usedthe pacifier. It looks like an ordinary teether, but has a digital display on the dial, and the silicone part that the baby sucks on has temperature sensors.
The temperature measured in the mouth can be between 36.1 and 37.5 ° C
- Rectal Temperature Measurement- Apply some water-based gel to the tip of the thermometer before taking the measurement. Gently insert it into the anus, no more than half its length.
The correct temperature is 37.6 ° C.
- measuring ear temperature- infrared ear thermometers measure the temperature of the eardrum in seconds. Put a disposable cover on the thermometer. Then turn it on, and when it signals it's ready to measure, gently slide it into your ear. The measurement takes a second but is very accurate.
The correct temperature is 37.6 ° C.
How to measure temperature with a non-contact forehead thermometer?
Where to measure the temperature with a non-contact thermometer? Most often it is measured on the forehead. The non-contact thermometer should be held perpendicular to the center of the forehead and brought closer to the forehead or moved away until a single point of light is obtained on the forehead. When a single point of light appears on the patient's forehead, it means that the thermometer is at the correct distance to read the exact body temperature.
Normal temperature on the skin of the forehead is 36.4 ° C
If the thermometer is too far from the forehead, then you will see two blurred points of light. If the thermometer is held too close, you will see two separate points of light. Release the button and hold the device firmly until the lights flash. Read the measured value from the display. If necessary, the next measurement can be taken immediately. The thermometer turns off after approximately 20 seconds.
When the fever drops, sweat may form on the forehead, which lowers the temperature of the skin. You can then take the temperature from the neck, approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the outer ear (earlobe).
How to measure temperature with a mercury thermometer?
The era of thermometers and mercury devices came to an end on April 3, 2009, when they disappeared from production for good. They were replaced by mercury-free thermometers, mostly containing alcohol, but in some homes mercury-free thermometers are still used to measure temperature.
Mercury thermometermust be shaken before use so that the mercury column is set to approx. 36.6 ° C. Such a thermometer measures the temperature in the armpit around 3-4minutes, and approximately 2 minutes in the rectum. Proceed similarly with the glass alcohol thermometer.
How to measure temperature with an electronic thermometer?
Press the on / off button. When the Lo symbol appears and ° C starts blinking, the thermometer is ready for measurement. We leave it at the measurement site until you hear a sound signal. Then press the on / off button to turn off the thermometer (the thermometer will only turn off automatically after about 10 minutes). The approximate time of measuring the temperature with an electronic thermometer in the mouth is about 30-45 seconds, in the armpit - 1 minute, and in the anus - about 30-40 seconds (depending on the model).
How to take your baby's temperature?
For small children, up to the age of 5, it is best to take rectal temperature, because such measurement is the most accurate. The child should be placed on its side with the buttocks covered, and then gently, to a depth of about 2 cm, insert the end of the thermometer smeared with oil or petroleum jelly. We measure the temperature for 2 minutes, and after measuring the thermometer, wash it with soap and water and dry it.
If your baby cries while taking the temperature, his body temperature will rise and the reading will be unreliable. Therefore, calm your baby down before using the thermometer.
If your baby tightens his buttocks or starts kicking his legs while taking the temperature, remove the thermometer from his buttocks - the strongly tense muscles of the buttocks can crush the delicate glass tip. In order to measure the temperature, it is best to choose an electronic thermometer (preferably with a soft tip).
Read also:
- Which thermometer should I choose?
- Rush
- Fever in a child
- Low fever
- Low body temperature
Monika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.
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